Style Guide

General rules (APA 6, 4.22–4.30)

1. Use abbreviations sparingly, especially in running text. Abbreviations are much more common in parentheses, tables, figures, and other material set apart from running text. APA section 4.22 provides an excellent discussion of when to abbreviate.
2. Scientific and technical writing (e.g., reports of research) makes more liberal use of abbreviations than does writing in the humanities. Because the topics of reading and education have strong roots in both traditions, authors and editors are often called on to make judgments about which style or genre a given piece of writing should employ. Be consistent in applying the style you choose.
3. Use periods with initials of names and with most abbreviations that appear frequently in text matter and in reference lists. Omit periods in postal addresses, state abbreviations, most acronyms, and most units of measurement (in. = inch is an exception). For more detailed info. on punctuation, capitalization, units of measurement, and statistical abbreviations not listed here, see APA 4.22–4.30.

Australian states and territories

Canadian provinces and territories

In text matter

Relatively few abbreviations are accepted for regular use in text. These include the following (note the use of periods in all of these):

U.S. states and territories

Standard forms