Introduction
This article provides an in-depth overview of appendix formatting for a sample APA style research paper. When creating an appendix in APA style, there are specific guidelines for formatting, labeling, and referencing within the text. The appendix is meant to supplement the main paper by including supporting documents, raw data, literature reviews, or other materials too detailed for the main text. Correct appendix formatting is important for maintaining flow and readability in a research paper.
Formatting Guidelines
The key formatting features for an APA style appendix include:
The appendix should start on a new page after the References list. Insert a page break between the References and Appendix sections.
Use the label “Appendix” or “Appendix A” centered at the top of the page if there is only one appendix. Use “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” etc. if there are multiple appendices.
Number appendices in the order they are mentioned in the body of the paper.
Format appendices consistent with the rest of the paper using one-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, and double-spaced lines of text.
Include a descriptive title for each appendix that clearly identifies the type of material included (e.g. Survey Questions, Interview Protocol, etc.). The title should be bolded and centered.
Label tables and figures within appendices in sequence after the main body (e.g. Table A1, Figure B2, etc.). Capitalize the letter but keep numbers lowercase. Provide a brief but clear caption under each table or figure.
Include any footnotes or in-text citations that are needed in appendices, numbered sequentially. The citations follow the standard 6th edition APA format.
Depending on the type of material, it may be appropriate to include a brief introduction or conclusion for the overall appendix section.
References within Body Paragraphs
When referring to material located in an appendix within the body paragraphs of the research paper text, the reference format is:
Noun phrase referencing: As shown in Appendix A…
Parenthetical referencing: (see Appendix B)
For both methods, spell out the word “Appendix” and include the capital letter label. Do not use abbreviations like App. or Appx. Direct references help guide the reader to supplemental materials related to the discussion in that paragraph.
Sample Appendix
Here is a sample appendix containing a literature review in APA format:
Appendix A
Literature Review Supplement
This appendix provides additional details and references from the literature review conducted for this study that were not included in the body of the paper due to length constraints. The review covers research on attitudes toward environmentally sustainable behaviors.
Survey of Environmental Attitudes
A 2014 nationwide survey of 1,000 American adults examined self-reported levels of concern and behavior related to environmental issues (Smith, 2014). As shown in Table A1, over 80% of respondents said they were either very or somewhat concerned about climate change and pollution issues. As Table A2 demonstrates,…
Table A1
Reported Levels of Environmental Concern
Issue Very concerned (%) Somewhat concerned (%) Not very concerned (%) Not at all concerned (%)
Climate change 45 39 12 4
Pollution 46 36 14 4
Note. Adapted from “Public Views on Sustainability and the Environment,” by J. Smith, 2014. Journal of Environmental Policy, 29, p. 25.
Over several decades, empirical studies have consistently found a gap between attitudes and actual pro-environmental behaviors among members of the public (Black, 1978; Kollmuss & Agyeman, 2002; Stern, 2000). Black (1978) analyzed survey and consumption data from 1970-1975 related to energy use…
This appendix sample demonstrates the guidelines for formatting tables, citations, and references within appendices in APA style. The descriptive title, brief lead-in text, separate enumeration of tables and figures, and inclusion of footnotes all follow the appropriate conventions. Well-formatted appendix materials enhance a research paper by providing supplemental credibility and transparency.
Conclusion
Appendices serve an important purpose by including relevant extra information that contributes value to the overall research study but is not essential within the body of the paper. Correct APA style formatting of appendices, including consistent layout, clear labeling, and in-text reference guidelines helps integrate supplemental sections seamlessly and maximize their informative purpose. Proper appendix presentation supports strong academic writing.