Which of the following is the correct APA style for the reference list of a college essay?

• A. References should be single-spaced, use a hanging indent, and list entries alphabetically by the title of the work.
• B. References should be double-spaced, use a hanging indent, and list entries alphabetically by the author's last name.
• C. References should be double-spaced, use no indent, and list entries by publication date.
• D. References should be single-spaced, use block paragraphs, and list entries in the order they appear in the essay.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic formatting rules for an APA style reference list: it should be double-spaced throughout, not single-spaced.
2. Recognize that each reference entry should use a hanging indent, meaning the first line is flush left and subsequent lines are indented.
3. Know that the entries in the reference list are organized alphabetically by the author's last name, not by the title of the work or publication date.
4. Eliminate options that suggest single-spacing, no indent, or listing entries by publication date or order of appearance, as these do not conform to APA style.
5. Conclude that the correct APA style for the reference list is double-spaced, with a hanging indent, and entries listed alphabetically by the author's last name.