This reference is for tables and appendices only. Be sure to consult your department/program handbook to view the dissertation formatting requirements. Figures (e.g., photos or graphics) may have different formatting requirements. For formatting photos and videos, consult the WEX resource “Best Practices for Media.”

 

General Considerations for Tables

  • There are many kinds of tables, but all tables present text and data using rows and columns
  • Tables should present information in an easy to understand way for readers
  • Tables should be able to stand alone, meaning readers should not have to read additional text to understand what is being presented
  • Create simple tables in Word using the “Insert Table” feature: this link shows you how
  • Consider creating more complex tables in Excel or Google Sheets and importing them as images to avoid formatting errors
  • Be selective – is the information better presented in a table or text?
  • Try to be consistent throughout document with layout and format of tables
  • Create a List of Tables, which follows the Table of Contents

 

Components of a Table

Font

  • Should be the same font as the document itself

Number

  • Numbered in the order they are referenced within the document
  • Table number and title appear above table (e.g., Table 1) in bold

Title:

  • Title should be brief but descriptive
  • Appears one double-spaced line below the table number
  • Capitalize title in italic title case

Heading

  • Varies depending on content/arrangement of data
  • Types of headings
    • Column headings
    • Stub headings (heading for leftmost column)
    • Column spanners (describe entries below them that apply to two or more columns)
    • Table spanners (entire width of table)
  • Center column headings and capitalize using sentence case

Body

  • Columns (vertical), rows (horizontal), and cells (intersection between row/column)
  • Can be single, one-and-a-half, or double-spaced
  • Left-align information in leftmost/stub column, but center heading
  • In general, center information in all other cells – can left align if readability is improved

Borders

  • Limit use of borders or lines
  • In general, borders should be used for top and bottom of table, beneath column headings, and to separate rows with totals/summary information
  • Not necessary to use vertical borders to separate data or around every cell

Length and Width

  • If table continues onto multiple pages, can use table formatting tools to have headings repeat on subsequent pages
  • Can use landscape orientation for tables that are too wide for portrait

Table examples can be found at the sites below:

APA Style Blog 1

APA Style Blog 2

 

General Information for Appendices

  • The Appendix contains material that would be distracting or supplements information within the main document (e.g., questionnaires, list and description of equipment used, consent forms)
  • Check your program handbook regarding formatting of the Appendix.
  • The section is titled Appendix even if you have multiple appendices.
  • Each appendix should only have one topic and title. (Again, check your program handbook for the placement of the title)
  • If more than one appendix, label each as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” etc. (and use that title when referring to it within the text of document)
  • Include the Appendix or all listings (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.) in Table of Contents

 

By Tammy Cloutier, ABD