Here's why:
* Clarity: Sentences starting with "because" can sometimes be grammatically awkward and make the meaning less clear.
* Conciseness: Often, a sentence can be rewritten to be more concise and direct without using "because" at the beginning.
* Formal tone: APA style emphasizes a formal and objective tone, and starting a sentence with "because" can sometimes sound overly casual.
However, there are exceptions:
* In certain situations, starting a sentence with "because" can be perfectly acceptable if it helps to emphasize a particular point or create a clear flow of ideas.
For example:
* "Because the study used a small sample size, the results may not be generalizable to the broader population."
The key is to use your judgment and ensure that your sentence is grammatically correct, clear, and maintains a formal tone. If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and rewrite the sentence to avoid starting with "because."