Tables and Figures in APA Style Research Papers
Including tables and figures can help explain and summarize aspects of your research in an engaging visual format. When incorporating tables and figures into APA style papers, careful formatting and referencing standards must be followed. This article will provide an in-depth overview of proper table and figure style according to the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
General Guidelines for Tables and Figures
All tables and figures should be clearly labeled with an Arabic numeral (e.g. Table 1, Figure 2) and have a title or caption that concisely summarizes the key takeaways from the visual. The label and title are placed above the table/figure, unless doing so would cause them to be split across pages, in which case they can be placed below.
Tables and figures should be placed in the text soon after the first text reference to their content. Larger visuals that extend beyond a standard page width should be provided as supplementary files and noted in the text. Tables should not contain fully repetitive or redundant information that could simply be presented in the text itself.
When referring to a table or figure number in the text, type out the word “table” or “figure” and always capitalize the initial letter when referring to the full label (e.g. “As shown in Table 1…”). Do not put a period after the label number. In running head, only capitalize the initial word of the label or title unless it contains a proper noun.
Formally introduce tables and figures with a sentence explaining their purpose or summarizing their key findings. When referring back to them later, keep text descriptions brief and refer readers back to the original visual content rather than reproducing it in full. Table and figure numbers are assigned in the order they are first mentioned in the text.
Constructing Tables
Tables should have column headings label with A, B, C, etc. Use sentence-style capitalization for column headings longer than a single word. Only horizontal lines should be used, placed above and below the column headings and at the bottom of the table.
Place explanatory notes or abbreviations below the table in a footer. Note text should be double-spaced. For complex tables, explanatory notes can also be included as superscript lowercase letters in the cells themselves. Footnotes are used only if note text cannot be succinctly presented within or below the table.
All fonts in tables should match the main text. Use the table function tool available in word processing software to create tables rather than manually formatting them with tabs or spaces. Ensure tables are readable when reproduced in black and white. Do not rotate text or use portrait orientation for labels, titles or notes.
Constructing Figures
Figures include charts, graphs, diagrams, photographs and other visual representations of data. Present figures professionally and clearly. Labels should be readable and any data shown on graphs should be presented with clearly marked scales that include labels for units of measurement.
Figures can be submitted in a vector graphic format when possible, such as .eps or .ai, in addition to a high resolution .jpg or .png format. Submit figures of entirely graphical content as supplementary files to avoid distortions that can occur when converting them to a smaller print size.
Cite Figures in Text
Footnote tables and figures the first time they are mentioned in text using an “N” citation above the table label or figure caption:
As shown in Table 1, survey responses varied across demographic groups.1
1 See Table 1 below.
As illustrated in Figure 1, the sample distribution was positively skewed.2
2 See Figure 1 below.
Omit the footnote citations in subsequent text references to the table or figure.
Table and Figure Placement
Place tables and figures as close to their first text reference as possible. Large figures extending beyond standard page margins should be submitted as supplementary files with an in-text notice (e.g. “See Supplemental File 1”).
Do not place them at the back of a document, rather embed them within the body surrounded by relevant discussion in the text.
Figures and tables can be placed together in a group if they relate to the same topic but avoid overcrowding the page.
Captions and Credits
Figure captions are placed directly below the visual and centered. Table titles go above the table but are still formatted like a caption. Include artist/author credits and permission acknowledgements in the caption or credit line below.
For copyrighted material, obtain permissions prior to publication and acknowledge the source. Figure panels should be individually labeled (e.g. A, B, C) if discussed separately in the text.
Conclusion
Used effectively, tables and figures play an important role in APA style research papers by presenting results and data visually. Take care to professionally construct and reference them following the standards discussed here. Doing so will help ensure the communication and integration of visual content achieves the goal of clarifying and engaging with your research findings.