Differences between MLA and APA

MLA (Modern Language Association)

• Author-page method of citation.
  
• Created for scholars in English composition and literature.
• Author’s full name on first mention.
• Use of the “right” language for the audience being addressed.
• Present tense verb in signal phrase vs. past tense.
• Medium of publication designation (ex. Print, Web, etc.).
• Many purposes for writing and research.

APA (American Psychological Association)

• Author-date method of citation.
  
• Created for researchers in the social sciences.
• Authors’ last names only.
• Objective tone, scientific writing.
• Economy of expression.
• Past or present perfect tense verb in signal phrase*.
• DOI (digital object identifier) or document number.
• Two purposes for writing and research.

* Present tense is used “to discuss implications of the results and to present conclusions”