PR 3 | Tables and Figures in APA Format

Table

• concisely presents and summarize information (often numbers) in rows and columns

• present the results of exploratory data analyses or mining techniques

• estimates statistics or functions

• share full trial-level data

Parts of a Table

• number

• title

• heading

• body

• notes

Figure

• any other image or illustration you include in your text

• examples include a graphs, illustrations, images, and flowcharts

Bar Graph

for comparing data sets

Line Graph

for showing trends

Flowchart

for showing setups

Images/Illustrations

for showing real-life elements or illustrating scenarios

Parts of a Figure

• number

• title

• image

• legend

• Notes

Table and Figure Number

• based on when it is referred to in the text

• use only Arabic numerals

• boldfaced

• use double-space

• above table/figure

Table and Figure Title

• must be brief yet explanatory

• use double-space

• italicized

• directly below table/figure number

Table Headings

• labels for the information

• provide crucial contextual labels to facilitate the readers’ understanding of the data in the table body

• must be present in each column

Table Body

• all rows and columns

• any spacing format is valid (single, double, and 1.5)

Table/Figure Notes

• used when the table/figure requires further explanation

• must be in the following order: general, specific, probability

• each type of note has its own paragraph

• comes after “Note” that is italicized followed by a period

General Notes

• any explanations that apply to the table or figure as a whole

• citations that were adapted from another source

• end with definitions of any abbreviations used

Specific Notes

• specific points in the table or figure.

• superscript letters (a, b, c …) appear at the relevant points in the table or figure and at the start of each note to indicate what they refer to

• used to comment on a specific data point or term

Probability Notes

• give p-values in the data

• correspond to asterisks/other symbols in the table/figure

Formatting Tables

• no vertical lines must be present

• only use horizontal lines is needed for clarity

• consistently format numbers

• stub/leftmost column must be flush left, the rest are centered

Size and Proportion of Figure Elements

• must be large and sharp enough

• use a sans-serif font

• font must be 8-14 pt

• can be read from arm’s length for manuscripts and the farthest point in the room for presentations

Table Legends

• must be used for graphs

• explains any symbols, lines, or colors used in the figure image

• must be within the borders of the figure

Mechanics for Figure Images

• Use title case for axis

• “Number” can be abbreviated to “no.”

• “Percent” can be abbreviated to “%”

• Use known abbreviations, define unknown ones if they will be used.

Common Shading and Patterns Technique for Graphs

• Follow this pattern for shading bar and pie charts.

  • one graph in solid color

  • one with no color

  • one with a pattern

  • error bars must still be seen

• Different patterns may be used to distinguish lines in line graphs.

• Limit the number of patterns in a graph.

• Avoid gridlines and 3D effects unless they help represent the figures (e.g. 3D representations of stimuli).

• Label each graph and line directly if they are farther apart from each other.

Colors in Figures

• can be used to distinguish graphs

• may cause issues with printing

• use of color may depend on audience of your paper

• use a contrast checker and confirm it passes the standards of WCAG 2.0 Level AA or later

General Guidelines for Tables/Figures

• Ensure they are necessary to the research paper, and not just mere decorations.

• Ensure they are compatible in print and electronic.

• Ensure consistency across comparable tables.

• Explain any abbreviations if necessary.

• Follow the guidelines for formatting statistical terms, variables, and data.

• Credit any relevant citations, including copyright attributions.

• Ensure it adheres to the journal format.