What is point of view in APA?

Use of the first-person singular pronouon "I"

Both Walden and APA allow for and encourage the appropriate use of the first-person pronoun "I" in scholarly writing. However, doctoral capstone abstracts should remain in third person.

Use of the first-person plural pronouns "we," "our," or "us"

The first-person plural pronouns "we," "our," or "us" is allowed in APA style only to describe yourself in a group of researchers (e.g., My colleagues and I created the survey. We later analyzed the results.).

The general use of "we," "our," or "us," however, is not acceptable in APA style. By using these pronouns, you may be making assumptions about the reader and allowing a conversational tone that is not scholarly in nature.

Note: The second-person pronoun "you" is also not acceptable in APA style. Similar to general uses of "we," "our," or "us," the second-person "you" assumes information about the reader and could create a combative tone in writing.

Additional Resources:

• See more tips on first person point of view and information on second-person point of view on the Writing Center's website.
• Learn more about scholarly writing and tone.

Further Questions?

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center? If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Reviews webpage and make an appointment with us!

Do you have other general writing questions? Email the Writing Center at writingsupport@waldenu.edu.

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the form and style review? Email the form and style editors at editor@waldenu.edu.

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s home page.