How to Format Interview Questions in APA
Interview questions are a crucial component of research, especially in qualitative studies. Proper formatting of interview questions is essential to maintain academic integrity and ensure clarity in your work. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines for formatting various aspects of a research document, including interview questions. In this article, we will discuss how to format interview questions in APA style.
1. General Guidelines
Before delving into the specifics of formatting interview questions, it is important to understand the general guidelines for APA style. When formatting interview questions, follow these steps:
a. Use a clear, concise, and straightforward structure.
b. Begin each question with a capital letter.
c. End each question with a period.
d. Use double quotation marks to enclose the actual text of the question.
2. Formatting Individual Questions
Individual interview questions should be formatted as follows:
a. Begin with the term “Question” followed by a number, such as “Question 1:.”
b. After the colon, write the actual question in quotation marks, ensuring proper grammar and punctuation.
c. Leave a space after the closing quotation mark.
Example:
Question 1: “What factors influenced your decision to pursue a career in [specific field]?”
3. Formatting Multiple Questions
When presenting multiple questions in a single paragraph or section, follow these guidelines:
a. Number the questions sequentially, starting with the term “Question.”
b. Separate each question with a period and a space.
c. Begin each new question on a new line for clarity.
Example:
Question 1: “What factors influenced your decision to pursue a career in [specific field]?”
Question 2: “How do you think your education and background have contributed to your current job role?”
Question 3: “What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?”
4. Formatting Interview Questions in a List
If you are presenting a list of interview questions, follow these steps:
a. Use a numbered list format.
b. Number the questions sequentially, starting with the term “Question.”
c. Begin each question on a new line, following the same formatting rules as individual questions.
Example:
1. Question: “What factors influenced your decision to pursue a career in [specific field]?”
2. Question: “How do you think your education and background have contributed to your current job role?”
3. Question: “What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?”
By following these guidelines, you can effectively format interview questions in APA style. Remember that proper formatting is not only important for academic integrity but also for ensuring that your research is clear and easily understood by readers.
