Do You Still Use Running Head? Here's Why It Matters
The running head: a term that once seemed indispensable in academic writing, especially in research papers and journals. But in today's world of digital documents and automated styles, is the running head still necessary? In this article, I’m diving into whether or not the running head is still a crucial part of your writing, and if it’s something you should be paying attention to in the modern writing landscape.
What Is a Running Head?
A Brief Overview of the Running Head
A running head is a short title or phrase that appears at the top of each page in a document. It serves to remind readers of the title of the paper or the topic, helping to orient them as they read through the content. In academic settings, it’s common to see a running head in research papers, where the full title appears on the first page, and a shortened version is used throughout the rest of the document.
Historical Significance of the Running Head
In the past, the running head had a more practical role. It was often necessary in physical print layouts, ensuring that if pages became separated, the content could still be identified. But with digital files and PDF submissions becoming the norm, the purpose of the running head has been questioned.
Do We Still Need the Running Head?
Changing Standards in Publishing
Well, times have changed, and so have the guidelines. Many modern publications, especially in the digital world, no longer require a running head. Styles like APA, for example, have evolved, and while they still suggest using a running head in certain contexts (such as academic papers or professional journals), the necessity has diminished. For instance, some journals allow authors to skip it, as it’s understood that the document’s title is accessible in digital formats.
Are You Submitting to a Journal? Check the Guidelines!
Honestly, whether or not you still need a running head really depends on the publication you're submitting to. Each journal or academic institution may have its specific requirements. For example, you might not need one for informal blog posts or social media articles, but for formal academic writing, it could still be a requirement. So before you get started, double-check the submission guidelines.
Should You Use the Running Head in Your Paper?
It Depends on the Context
If you're writing an academic paper or preparing a manuscript for a journal, using the running head might still be a good idea. In cases where you’re submitting something to a formal institution or for peer review, following traditional guidelines—including adding a running head—can reflect well on your attention to detail.
Personal Experience: Should You Worry About It?
Honestly, I’ve submitted several research papers, and in some cases, I’ve spent more time obsessing over the perfect running head than on the content itself. In the end, as long as your submission complies with the required formatting, the running head is just one of those things that seems crucial but isn’t as important as other aspects of your work.
Alternatives to the Running Head
Using Title Pages and Headers
If you’re questioning the relevance of the running head in the digital age, consider using title pages or section headers. These elements give context to your document without requiring extra formatting. This is especially useful in digital documents like PDFs, where each page already includes identifying headers or footers.
Simplifying Your Document Layout
To minimize distractions in your document layout, consider eliminating the running head altogether, unless absolutely necessary. Modern tools and platforms often provide automatic headers or footers, which might replace the need for a manual running head, saving you some time and effort in the long run.
Conclusion: To Use or Not to Use?
Well, after reviewing the purpose and evolving role of the running head, it’s clear that this small detail is losing its significance in many modern writing contexts. While it's still relevant for academic papers, particularly in traditional publishing formats, it’s not something you should lose sleep over. What’s most important is the content and clarity of your writing. If the guidelines specify a running head, by all means, include it—but if not, don’t worry. Focus on delivering your best work!
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
Well, fellas, worry no more, because a new study has revealed 5ft 8in is the ideal height for a man. Dating app Badoo has revealed the most right-swiped heights based on their users aged 18 to 30.
Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.