How to Cite a Meta Analysis in APA: A Comprehensive Guide for 2023

Welcome to our blog post where we delve into the world of academic citations! If you’re a student, researcher, or just curious about academic writing, you’ve likely come across the American Psychological Association (APA) style. APA is widely used in social and behavioral sciences to format research papers, essays, and articles.

In this blog post, we’ll focus specifically on citing meta analyses within the APA style. Meta analyses are a powerful tool in research, allowing for the synthesis of numerous studies on a particular topic. However, properly citing a meta analysis can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially with the new 7th edition of the APA style. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered!

Throughout this article, we’ll not only answer the question “How do you cite a meta analysis in APA?”, but we’ll also touch on some related topics like using shortcut keys to increase the indent and why the indent on Word might look bigger than expected. So, if you’re ready to become a citation master and navigate the ins and outs of APA style, let’s dive right in!

How to Effortlessly Cite a Meta Analysis in APA

So, you’ve meticulously conducted a mind-blowing meta analysis and now comes the dreaded task of citing it in APA style? Fear not, my friend, for I have just the magic potion to make this seemingly daunting task as easy as pie. By following a few simple steps, you’ll be gracefully sprinkling those citations throughout your paper like a wizard casting spells (minus the pointy hat, of course).

APA Like a Pro: Citing a Meta Analysis

Meta analyses are like the superhero team of research papers, combining the powers of multiple studies to deliver grand conclusions. And just like any superhero, these meta analyses deserve proper credit – in the form of citations, of course.

When it comes to citing a meta analysis in APA style, you’ll want to start with the authors’ last names and initials, separated by commas. If there are more than seven authors, you can use an ellipsis after the sixth author’s name and then include the last author listed.

Next up is the publication year, encased in parentheses. No need to worry about the actual date; just the year will do. After the publication year, you’ll want to include the title of the meta analysis in sentence case (meaning only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized), followed by the italicized words “Meta-Analysis” in brackets. It’s like giving your meta analysis a fancy title with a secret identity.

After that, add a period and then include the journal name in italics, followed by another comma (who knew punctuation could be so thrilling?). Lastly, provide the volume number, the issue number (in parentheses), and the page range, separated by a comma.

But Wait, There’s More: Citing Online Meta Analyses

In the glorious age of the internet, online sources have taken over our lives. So, what if your meta analysis resides in the digital realm? Fear not, my tech-savvy friend, for the process remains quite similar. Here’s how you tackle citing an online meta analysis in APA style.

Start off with the authors’ names, last names first, followed by their initials. Just like before, use commas to separate multiple authors, and if there are more than seven, go ahead and use an ellipsis. Next up, pop in the publication year in parentheses.

Instead of a fancy journal title, though, you’ll want to include the title of the meta analysis in sentence case. This time, don’t add the italicized “Meta-Analysis” in brackets – we’re saving that for later.

After the title, add a period and then write the words “Retrieved from” followed by the URL of the website where the meta analysis can be found. Make sure to hyperlink it if you’re publishing online – after all, nobody likes a dead link.

Last but not least, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for conquering the realm of online citations. You, my friend, have successfully navigated the treacherous world of APA meta analysis citations.

Citing a meta analysis in APA style may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! With a little knowledge and a cheeky sense of humor, you can effortlessly weave those citations into your paper like a true literary artist. So go forth, my fellow researcher, and let your meta analysis shine bright with the glory of properly formatted APA citations!

FAQ: How to Cite a Meta Analysis in APA?

Shortcut Key to Increase Indent

Which Key Should I Press to Increase the Indent in APA

When it comes to increasing the indent in APA format, there’s no magical shortcut key that can do it for you. Unfortunately, you’ll need to rely on good ol’ manual labor. Fear not! It’s a simple process that anyone can handle. Just remember to stay calm and embrace the zen of formatting.

APA 7th Edition: Is it Justified

Is the APA 7th Edition Ents’ Approved

Absolutely! The APA 7th Edition is not only justified but also widely accepted and considered the gold standard for academic and scientific writing. It’s like the Gandalf of citation styles, guiding researchers through the darkest depths of information with its wisdom and precision. So, rest assured, you’re on the right track with APA 7th Edition.

How to Properly Cite a Meta Analysis in APA

The Art of Citing a Meta Analysis in APA: Demystified

Citing a meta analysis in APA may sound like a daunting task, but fear not! We’re here to demystify the process and guide you toward citation enlightenment. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Start with the author’s last name, followed by their initials.
  2. Next, include the publication year in parentheses.
  3. Then, add the title of the meta analysis in sentence case and italics.
  4. Include the words “Meta-Analysis” in square brackets after the title.
  5. Specify the phrase “Unpublished raw data” in square brackets after the title if it’s not published.
  6. Provide the name of the website or database where the meta analysis is hosted.
  7. Finally, include the URL or DOI of the meta analysis.

For example:

Smith, J. K. (2022). Meta-analysis of the effects of unicorn tears on mood [Meta-Analysis]. Unpublished raw data. APA Meta-Analysis Database. https://www.apadatabase.org/meta/unicorn-tears

Remember, it’s crucial to double-check the formatting guidelines provided by your institution or publisher, as they might have additional requirements.

The Mystery of the Big Word Indent

Why Does the Indent on Word Seem So Enormous

Ah, the eternal mystery of the oversized indent in Word. It’s like staring into the abyss of a black hole, wondering why something so tiny can be so big. But fear not, for we shall unravel this enigma!

The seemingly large indent in Word occurs due to the default settings of the program. Word, in its infinite wisdom, implements a standard indent of 0.5 inches for paragraphs. Now, that may seem like a lot, but it’s all part of Word’s quest for aesthetic uniformity.

If you prefer a less overwhelming indent, you have the power to change it to your desired measurement. Simply navigate to the “Paragraph” settings in Word and adjust the indentation according to your liking. You’re the master of your own indent destiny!


And there you have it! We’ve explored some burning questions regarding APA formatting, meta analysis citation, and the enigma of the Word indent. Remember, formatting your work should be an adventure, not a nightmare. Keep these FAQs handy, and you’ll conquer the world of APA with wit and wisdom!

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