Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fifth Edition review:4 stars (Important but not compelling) - I understand that the rigors of academia require exhaustive research and documentation, however, that is no excuse for writing which is too dense, difficult to read, or not engaging to the reader. If more "academics" would learn how to write like real people instead of researchers, perhaps their messages would be communicated more effectively... and maybe people would LEARN more. Isn't that the point?
There is no excuse for bad writing -- even if you are a genius!3 stars (It's really tough but you will need it!) - I tried for a long time to deny using this book, even though I bought it off a course list and had it on my shelf. After being told several times by professors that my documents needed to be in APA style, with no quick description offered, I have been forced to go in and learn the format. It's a bit like learning a foreign language but since I've learned to use it, it's come up again, and again, and again, so I'm glad I finally did it.Check out "The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book" as well. It's a fun read, based on sound research, that let me test my EQ online. Boy, did I need my EQ skills while learning APA style!4 stars (More User-Friendly Than Widely Acknowledged) - It's difficult to understand why so many reviewers find the APA style so difficult. Perhaps this is due to having weaned my teeth on APA during my Ph.D.
Rather than finding the style convoluted, confusing, or inconsistent, I find it as clear as the equally valuable "Chicago Manual of Style." In particular, the APA's method of in-text notes makes it easy for the writer and reader to document and locate source materials.
Once you grasp the basic premise of footnoting and endnoting, the overall style is coherent. Besides, if you are going to write in the social science field, like it or not, APA style is here to stay--so you may as well learn it and use it.
Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Beyond the Suffering: The Story of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."
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