APA Rules for Using Point of View to Establish Credibility

📚 APA and Point of View: Establishing Credibility

In academic writing, particularly when adhering to the American Psychological Association (APA) style, the point of view you adopt is crucial for establishing credibility and maintaining objectivity. APA guidelines emphasize clear, concise, and unbiased language. This encyclopedic guide will explore the key principles of using point of view effectively in APA style, supported by real-world examples.

📜 Historical Context

APA style, initially developed in 1929, aimed to standardize scientific writing. Early versions focused primarily on formatting citations and references. Over time, APA style evolved to encompass broader aspects of scholarly communication, including guidelines on language, tone, and point of view. The goal was to promote clarity, precision, and impartiality in research reports and other academic documents.

📌 Key Principles for Point of View in APA Style

• 🧑‍🎓 Use First Person Sparingly: While APA 7th edition allows for greater flexibility than previous editions, the first person ('I' or 'we') should be used judiciously. Use it to describe your actions or perspectives clearly but avoid overuse, which can sound subjective or self-centered.
• ✍️ Avoid Second Person: The second person ('you') is generally discouraged in APA style, as it can sound informal or directive. Academic writing should maintain a formal, objective tone.
• 🧐 Prefer Third Person: The third person ('he,' 'she,' 'it,' 'they') is the preferred point of view for most academic writing in APA style. It helps to maintain an objective and professional tone.
• ⚖️ Maintain Objectivity: Ensure your writing is free from bias. Avoid language that expresses personal opinions or judgments. Instead, focus on presenting evidence and analysis in a neutral manner.
• 💡 Use Active Voice: Active voice makes your writing clearer and more direct. It also helps to attribute actions and findings more explicitly.
• 🔬 Be Specific and Clear: Avoid vague or ambiguous language. Be precise in your descriptions and explanations to ensure your readers understand your points clearly.
• 🖋️ Ensure Proper Attribution: Always give credit to the sources of your information through proper citations and references. This is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and establishing your credibility as a researcher.

🌍 Real-World Examples

Let's consider how point of view affects clarity and credibility with examples.

Example 1: First Person (Appropriate Use)

Instead of: "The experiment was conducted carefully."

Write: "We conducted the experiment carefully, following established protocols."

Example 2: Avoiding Second Person

Instead of: "You can see that the results support the hypothesis."

Write: "The results support the hypothesis."

Example 3: Third Person (Preferred)

Instead of: "I believe this shows..."

Write: "This demonstrates..."

➗ Math and Science Examples

Example 4: Reporting Statistical Results (Third Person)

Instead of: "I found a significant correlation..."

Write: "A significant correlation was found between variable X and variable Y ($r = 0.65$, $p < 0.05$)."

Example 5: Describing Experimental Procedures (Active Voice)

Instead of: "The solution was heated..."

Write: "The researchers heated the solution to 80°C."

✅ Conclusion

Adhering to APA guidelines regarding point of view is essential for establishing credibility and maintaining objectivity in academic writing. By using first person sparingly, avoiding second person, preferring third person, and maintaining an objective tone, you can present your research in a clear, professional, and credible manner. Remember that proper attribution and precise language further enhance the impact and reliability of your work.