What is the purpose and formatting guidelines for a cover page in an APA-style essay?

The purpose of a cover page in an APA-style essay is to provide basic information about the paper, such as the title, author's name, institutional affiliation, and the date of submission. The formatting guidelines for a cover page include centering the title in the middle of the page, using a specific font and size (usually Times New Roman, 12-point), and including a running head at the top of the page.