APA

Avoid writing in first-person unless co-authoring your paper.  You should usually write your papers in third-person

• Avoid: I studied the effect of...
• Allowed: We studied the effect of...
• Preferred: Respondents indicated their preference for...

Be concise and clear

• Avoid vague statements
• Present information clearly
• Eliminate unnecessary words

Style matters

• Write objectively
• Avoid poetic or flowery language

Be sensitive to labels

• Avoid identifying groups by a disorder (avoid schizophrenics, use people diagnosed with schizophrenia)
• Avoid outdated or inappropriate labels
• When you must label a group, try to use a term that group prefers

Gender pronouns

• Gender refers to a social role
• Sex refers to biological characteristics

Organize sources - Remember to record citation information for every paper you intend to use.  Use notecards or a digital method to keep track of information you intend to use.  Create a labeling scheme for your sources so that you credit the proper source.

Note page numbers - Page numbers are required for quotes.  Although they are not required for paraphrases, APA encourages their use.

Outline - Organize your paper using an outline or web scheme.  Keeping your thoughts organized by topic will help support your topic.