Writing Help
McMaster University's Academic Support at the Student Success Centre
Meet with writing assistants to receive help in:
- topic and thesis development
- constructing a strong argument
- essay organization and structure
- referencing and formatting
among other services.
Academic Integrity
The Office of Academic Integrity strives to assist instructors and students with issues of academic integrity.
The Office of Academic Integrity provides information for students and instructors alike to assist with the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship and to help avoid problems with dishonesty.
The most current Academic Integrity Policy is dated April 10, 2013 (effective July 1, 2013).
APA Style Guide
This video given a general overview and introduction to APA style citations, based on the 7th edition of the APA Style Manual. (3:07)
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association: The Official Guide to APA Style by
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition is the official source for APA Style. With millions of copies sold worldwide in multiple languages, it is the style manual of choice for writers, researchers, editors, students, and educators in the social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, nursing, communications, education, business, engineering, and other fields. Known for its authoritative, easy-to-use reference and citation system, the Publication Manual also offers guidance on choosing the headings, tables, figures, language, and tone that will result in powerful, concise, and elegant scholarly communication. It guides users through the scholarly writing process--from the ethics of authorship to reporting research through publication. The seventh edition is an indispensable resource for students and professionals to achieve excellence in writing and make an impact with their work. The seventh edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect best practices in scholarly writing and publishing. All formats are in full color, with a new tabbed spiral version Improved ease of navigation, with many additional numbered sections to help users quickly locate answers to their questions Resources for students on writing and formatting annotated bibliographies, response papers, and other paper types as well as guidelines on citing course materials Dedicated chapter for new users of APA Style covering paper elements and format, including sample papers for both professional authors and student writers New chapter on journal article reporting standards that includes updates to reporting standards for quantitative research and the first-ever qualitative and mixed methods reporting standards in APA Style New chapter on bias-free language guidelines for writing about people with respect and inclusivity in areas including age, disability, gender, participation in research, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality More than 100 new reference examples covering periodicals, books, audiovisual media, social media, webpages and websites, and legal resources More than 40 new sample tables and figures Expanded guidance on ethical writing and publishing practices, including how to ensure the appropriate level of citation, avoid plagiarism and self-plagiarism, and navigate the publication process Guidelines that support accessibility for all users, including simplified reference, in-text citation, and heading formats as well as additional font options
Publication Date: 2020
Research and Writing in Communication Studies
Mass Communications Research Methods by
Originally published in 1988. Step-by-step, this book leads students from problem identification, through the mazes of surveys, experimentation, historical/qualitative studies, statistical analysis, and computer data processing to the final submission and publication in scientific or popular publications.
Publication Date: 2016
The Media and Communications Study Skills Student Guide by
All the tips, ideas and advice given to, and requested by, MA students in Media and Communications, are brought together in an easy-to-use accessible guide to help students study most effectively. Based upon many years of teaching study skills and hundreds of lecture slides and handouts this introduction covers a range of general and generic skills that the author relates specifically towards media and communications studies. As well as the mechanics of writing and presentations, the book also shows how students can work on and engage with the critical and contemplative elements of their degrees whilst retaining motivation and refining timekeeping skills. Of course the nuts and bolts of reading, writing, listening, seminars and the dreaded dissertation and essays are covered too. In addition advice on referencing, citation and academic style is offered for those with concerns over English grammar and expression. Aimed primarily at postgraduate students, there is significant crossover with undergraduate work, so this book will also prove of use to upper level undergraduate readers whether using English as a first or second language.
Publication Date: 2019
Writing for the Mass Media by
Writing for the Mass Media offers clear writing, simple organization, abundant exercises, and precise examples that give students information about media writing and opportunities to develop their skills as professional writers. With a focus on a converged style of media writing, and converting that style into real work, this ninth edition maintains its classic and effective text/workbook format while staying ahead of the curve and preparing students for their future careers.
Publication Date: 2002
APA In Text Citations
![APA In-text Citations First time cited in text: 1 author: (Name, Year) OR Name (Year). 2 authors (Name and Name, Year) OR Name and Name (Year). 3+ authors (Name et al., Year) OR Name et al. (Year). Tips: When citing two more works in the same parentheses order them alphabetically. For 3 or more authors- when citing works with similar groups of authors avoid ambiguity by writing out more names. Anonymous works: are referred to by a title in the signal phrase or by the first word or two in parentheses. Preparing a Reference List Arrange sources alphabetically by last name (or title if its an anonymous source). Double space entire list (within and between lines). Indent 2nd and subsequent lines of each entry 5-7 spaces from the left margin. Article title should be in sentence case by journal titles should be in title case. Italicize the journal title and volume number. Include issue number in brackets if journal is paginated by issue. Examples: Print: Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle. Publisher. Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year of publication). Title of chapter. In A. A. Editor & B. B. Editor (Eds.), Title of book (pp. pages of chapter). Publisher. Electronic: Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number, page range. DOI or http://doi.org/ Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number, page range. http://www.journal.com/url Other: Director, D. D. (Director). (Date of publication). Title of motion picture [Film]. Production company. Writer, W. W. (Writer), & Director, D. D. (Director). (Original air date). Title of episode (Season number, Episode number) [Tv series episode]. In P. Executive Producer (Executive Producer), Series title. Production company(s). Additional Resources: APAstyle.org](https://libapps-ca.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/141307/images/APA_Citation_7th_Edition.png)