Here are some standard issues to look for in your reference list to make sure that your list conforms to APA style:

1. The references need to be in alphabetical order by last name of first authors.

2. Double-space this entire list; do not insert any extra blank lines.

3. Italicize (do not underline) the journal/book titles and volume numbers.

4. Only put initials (not full names) for all first and middle names of authors.

5. Include volume numbers but not issue numbers of journals (e.g., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32, AS OPPOSED TO Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32(3),).

6. In journal titles, put ‘and’ as opposed to ‘ampersand’ (e.g., write Journal of Personality and Social Psychology as opposed to Journal of Personality & Social Psychology).

7. Enjoy!

Here’s an example for a full journal article:

Thornhill, R. & Gangestad, S.W. (1999). The scent of symmetry: A human sex pheromone that signals fitness? Evolution and Human Behavior, 20, 175-201.

Here’s an example for a chapter in an edited book:

Trivers, R. (1972). Parental Investment and Sexual Selection. In B. Campbell (Ed.), Sexual selection and the descent of man 1871-1971. Chicago: Aldine.

Here’s an example for a full book:

Dawkins, R. (1989). The selfish gene. Oxford: Oxford University Press.