Student vs. Professional Research Papers in APA 7 (Word Add-In)

APA 7 distinguishes between two types of research papers: Student Research Papers and Professional Research Papers. While most APA 7 guidelines apply to both, there are some differences between the two.

Title page differences

The most noticeable difference between the two paper types is the title page.

Student paper title page can include:

• Paper title
• Student's or students' name(s)
• Student's or students' affiliation(s) – typically the name of your school
• Course name and number
• Instructor's name
• Assignment due date
• Page number

In a change from the 6th Edition, APA 7 no longer requires a Running Head in a student paper. For professional papers, the Running Head is still required – but it no longer includes the words "Running head." Instead, it requires only a page number and the shortened paper title.

Professional paper title page requires:

• Paper title
• Author's name(s)
• Author's affiliation(s)
• Author note
• Running head
• Page number

PERRLA for Word can create both Student and Professional research papers.

Other differences

Abstracts

A professional paper includes an Abstract by default, following APA 7 guidelines. You can remove it if you don't need it.

You can still add an abstract to a student paper using the Abstract icon in the PERRLA ribbon.

Running Head

Student papers no longer include a Running Head. However, if your professor still requires one, you can manually add it in the header section of your paper.

Professional papers still include a Running Head on every page.

Creating a student research paper

1. Open a new Word document. 
2. Go to the PERRLA ribbon tab. 
3. Click New Paper in the ribbon. 
4. Select APA 7 Research Paper.
   By default, this opens the Create Panel for a Student Research Paper.
5. Enter the paper's information in the side panel. 
6. Click Create Paper. 

Creating a professional research paper

1. Open a new Word document. 
2. Go to the PERRLA ribbon tab. 
3. Click New Paper in the ribbon. 
4. Select APA 7 Research Paper. 
5. Click the Professional tab at the top of the panel. 
6. Enter the paper's information in the side panel. 
7. Click Create Paper. 

PERRLA will ensure your title page and paper meet all APA 7 formatting requirements for whichever paper type you choose.

Can I switch between paper types after starting a paper?

No – once a paper has been started, PERRLA cannot convert it to the other type. You would need to create a new paper in the format you need and copy over the body of your paper.