formatting tables and figures in research paper

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Guidance and resources related to the use and reporting of statistics are available here .

Tables should each be presented on a separate page, portrait (not landscape) orientation, and upright on the page, not sideways.

Tables have a short, one-line title in bold text. Tables should be as small as possible. Bear in mind the size of a Nature page as a limiting factor when compiling a table.

Symbols and abbreviations are defined immediately below the table, followed by essential descriptive material as briefly as possible, all in double-spaced text.

Standard table formats are available for submissions of cryo-EM , NMR and X-ray crystallography data . Authors providing these data must use these standard tables and include them as Extended Data.

Figure legends

For initial submissions, we encourage authors to present the manuscript text and figures together in a single Word doc or PDF file, and for each figure legend to be presented together with its figure. However, when preparing the final paper to be accepted, we require figure legends to be listed one after the other, as part of the text document, separate from the figure files, and after the main reference list.

Each figure legend should begin with a brief title for the whole figure and continue with a short description of each panel and the symbols used. If the paper contains a Methods section, legends should not contain any details of methods. Legends should be fewer than 300 words each.

All error bars and statistics must be defined in the figure legend, as discussed above.

Nature requires figures in electronic format. Please ensure that all digital images comply with the Nature journals’ policy on image integrity .

Figures should be as small and simple as is compatible with clarity. The goal is for figures to be comprehensible to readers in other or related disciplines, and to assist their understanding of the paper. Unnecessary figures and parts (panels) of figures should be avoided: data presented in small tables or histograms, for instance, can generally be stated briefly in the text instead. Avoid unnecessary complexity, colouring and excessive detail.

Figures should not contain more than one panel unless the parts are logically connected; each panel of a multipart figure should be sized so that the whole figure can be reduced by the same amount and reproduced on the printed page at the smallest size at which essential details are visible. For guidance, Nature ’s standard figure sizes are 90 mm (single column) and 180 mm (double column) and the full depth of the page is 170 mm.

Amino-acid sequences should be printed in Courier (or other monospaced) font using the one-letter code in lines of 50 or 100 characters.

Authors describing chemical structures should use the Nature Research Chemical Structures style guide .

Some brief guidance for figure preparation:

Lettering in figures (labelling of axes and so on) should be in lower-case type, with the first letter capitalized and no full stop.

Units should have a single space between the number and the unit, and follow SI nomenclature or the nomenclature common to a particular field. Thousands should be separated by commas (1,000). Unusual units or abbreviations are defined in the legend.

Scale bars should be used rather than magnification factors.

Layering type directly over shaded or textured areas and using reversed type (white lettering on a coloured background) should be avoided where possible.

Where possible, text, including keys to symbols, should be provided in the legend rather than on the figure itself.

Figure quality

At initial submission, figures should be at good enough quality to be assessed by referees, preferably incorporated into the manuscript text in a single Word doc or PDF, although figures can be supplied separately as JPEGs if authors are unable to include them with the text. Authors are advised to follow the initial and revised submissions guidelines with respect to sizing, resolution and labelling.

Please note that print-publication quality figures are large and it is not helpful to upload them at the submission stage. Authors will be asked for high-quality figures when they are asked to submit the final version of their article for publication.At that stage, please prepare figures according to these guidelines .

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Nature discourages the use or adaptation of previously published display items (for example, figures, tables, images, videos or text boxes). However, we recognize that to illustrate some concepts the use of published data is required and the reuse of previously published display items may be necessary. Please note that in these instances we might not be able to obtain the necessary rights for some images to be reused (as is, or adapted versions) in our articles. In such cases, we will contact you to discuss the sourcing of alternative material.

Figure costs

In order to help cover some of the additional cost of four-colour reproduction, Nature Portfolio charges our authors a fee for the printing of their colour figures. Please contact our offices for exact pricing and details. Inability to pay this charge will not prevent publication of colour figures judged essential by the editors, but this must be agreed with the editor prior to acceptance.

Production-quality figures

When a manuscript is accepted in principle for publication, the editor will ask for high-resolution figures. Do not submit publication-quality figures until asked to do so by an editor. At that stage, please prepare figures according to these guidelines .

Extended Data

Extended Data figures and tables are online-only (appearing in the online PDF and full-text HTML version of the paper), peer-reviewed display items that provide essential background to the Article but are not included in the printed version of the paper due to space constraints or being of interest only to a few specialists. A maximum of ten Extended Data display items (figures and tables) is typically permitted. See Composition of a Nature research paper .

Extended Data tables should be formatted along similar lines to tables appearing in print (see section 5.7) but the main body (excluding title and legend, which should be included at the end of the Word file) should be submitted separately as an image rather than as an editable format in Word, as Extended Data tables are not edited by Nature’s subediting department. Small tables may also be included as sub-panels within Extended Data figures. See Extended Data Formatting Guide .

Extended Data figures should be prepared along slightly different guidelines compared to figures appearing in print, and may be multi-panelled as long as they fit to size rules (see Extended Data Formatting Guide ). Extended Data figures are not edited or styled by Nature’s art department; for this reason, authors are requested to follow Nature style as closely as possible when preparing these figures. The legends for Extended Data figures should be prepared as for print figures and should be listed one after the other at the end of the Word file.

If space allows, Nature encourages authors to include a simple schematic, as a panel in an Extended Data figure, that summarizes the main finding of the paper, where appropriate (for example, to assist understanding of complex detail in cell, structural and molecular biology disciplines).

If a manuscript has Extended Data figures or tables, authors are asked to refer to discrete items at an appropriate place in the main text (for example, Extended Data Fig. 1 and Extended Data Table 1).

If further references are included in the Extended Data tables and Extended Data figure legends, the numbering should continue from the end of the last reference number in the main paper (or from the last reference number in the additional Methods section if present) and the list should be added to the end of the list accompanying the additional Methods section, if present, or added below the Extended Data legends if no additional Methods section is present.

Supplementary Information

Supplementary Information (SI) is online-only, peer-reviewed material that is essential background to the Article (for example, large data sets, methods, calculations), but which is too large or impractical, or of interest only to a few specialists, to justify inclusion in the printed version of the paper. See the Supplementary Information page for further details.

Supplementary Information should not contain figures (any figures additional to those appearing in print should be formatted as Extended Data figures). Tables may be included in Supplementary Information, but only if they are unsuitable for formatting as Extended Data tables (for example, tables containing large data sets or raw data that are best suited to Excel files).

If a manuscript has accompanying SI, either at submission or in response to an editor’s letter that requests it, authors are asked to refer to discrete items of the SI (for example, videos, tables) at an appropriate point in the main manuscript.

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Sample Tables

These sample tables illustrate how to set up tables in APA Style . When possible, use a canonical, or standard, format for a table rather than inventing your own format. The use of standard formats helps readers know where to look for information.

There are many ways to make a table, and the samples shown on this page represent only some of the possibilities. The samples show the following options:

• The sample factor analysis table shows how to include a copyright attribution in a table note when you have reprinted or adapted a copyrighted table from a scholarly work such as a journal article (the format of the copyright attribution will vary depending on the source of the table).
• The sample regression table shows how to include confidence intervals in separate columns; it is also possible to place confidence intervals in square brackets in a single column (an example of this is provided in the Publication Manual ).
• The sample qualitative table and the sample mixed methods table demonstrate how to use left alignment within the table body to improve readability when the table contains lots of text.

Use these links to go directly to the sample tables:

Sample demographic characteristics table

Sample results of several t tests table, sample correlation table, sample analysis of variance (anova) table, sample factor analysis table, sample regression table, sample qualitative table with variable descriptions, sample mixed methods table.

These sample tables are also available as a downloadable Word file (DOCX, 37KB) . For more sample tables, see the Publication Manual (7th ed.) as well as published articles in your field.

Sample tables are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 7.21 and the Concise Guide Section 7.21

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Sociodemographic Characteristics of Participants at Baseline

Note. N = 150 ( n = 50 for each condition). Participants were on average 39.5 years old ( SD = 10.1), and participant age did not differ by condition.

a Reflects the number and percentage of participants answering “yes” to this question.

Results of Curve-Fitting Analysis Examining the Time Course of Fixations to the Target

Note. For each subject, the logistic function was fit to target fixations separately. The maximum asymptote is the asymptotic degree of looking at the end of the time course of fixations. The crossover point is the point in time the function crosses the midway point between peak and baseline. The slope represents the rate of change in the function measured at the crossover. Mean parameter values for each of the analyses are shown for the 9-year-olds ( n = 24) and 16-year-olds ( n = 18), as well as the results of t tests (assuming unequal variance) comparing the parameter estimates between the two ages.

Descriptive Statistics and Correlations for Study Variables

Means, Standard Deviations, and One-Way Analyses of Variance in Psychological and Social Resources and Cognitive Appraisals

*** p < .001.

Results From a Factor Analysis of the Parental Care and Tenderness (PCAT) Questionnaire

Note. N = 307. The extraction method was principal axis factoring with an oblique (Promax with Kaiser Normalization) rotation. Factor loadings above .30 are in bold. Reverse-scored items are denoted with an (R). Adapted from “Individual Differences in Activation of the Parental Care Motivational System: Assessment, Prediction, and Implications,” by E. E. Buckels, A. T. Beall, M. K. Hofer, E. Y. Lin, Z. Zhou, and M. Schaller, 2015, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 108 (3), p. 501 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000023 ). Copyright 2015 by the American Psychological Association.

Moderator Analysis: Types of Measurement and Study Year

Note . Number of studies = 120, number of effects = 782, total N = 52,578. CI = confidence interval; LL = lower limit; UL = upper limit.

Master Narrative Voices: Struggle and Success and Emancipation

Integrated Results Matrix for the Effect of Topic Familiarity on Reliance on Author Expertise

Note . We integrated quantitative data (whether students selected a card about nuclear power or about climate change) and qualitative data (interviews with students) to provide a more comprehensive description of students’ card selections between the two topics.

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Your Guide to Creating Effective Tables and Figures in Research Papers

Research papers are full of data and other information that needs to be effectively illustrated and organized. Without a clear presentation of a study's data, the information will not reach the intended audience and could easily be misunderstood. Clarity of thought and purpose is essential for any kind of research. Using tables and figures to present findings and other data in a research paper can be effective ways to communicate that information to the chosen audience.

When manuscripts are screened, tables and figures can give reviewers and publication editors a quick overview of the findings and key information. After the research paper is published or accepted as a final dissertation, tables and figures will offer the same opportunity for other interested readers. While some readers may not read the entire paper, the tables and figures have the chance to still get the most important parts of your research across to those readers.

However, tables and figures are only valuable within a research paper if they are succinct and informative. Just about any audience—from scientists to the general public—should be able to identify key pieces of information in well-placed and well-organized tables. Figures can help to illustrate ideas and data visually. It is important to remember that tables and figures should not simply be repetitions of data presented in the text. They are not a vehicle for superfluous or repetitious information. Stay focused, stay organized, and you will be able to use tables and figures effectively in your research papers. The following key rules for using tables and figures in research papers will help you do just that.

Check style guides and journal requirements

The first step in deciding how you want to use tables and figures in your research paper is to review the requirements outlined by your chosen style guide or the submission requirements for the journal or publication you will be submitting to. For example, JMIR Publications states that for readability purposes, we encourage authors to include no more than 5 tables and no more than 8 figures per article. They continue to outline that tables should not go beyond the 1-inch margin of a portrait-orientation 8.5"x11" page using 12pt font or they may not be able to be included in your main manuscript because of our PDF sizing.

Consider the reviewers that will be examining your research paper for consistency, clarity, and applicability to a specific publication. If your chosen publication usually has shorter articles with supplemental information provided elsewhere, then you will want to keep the number of tables and figures to a minimum.

According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue OWL), the American Psychological Association (APA) states that Data in a table that would require only two or fewer columns and rows should be presented in the text. More complex data is better presented in tabular format. You can avoid unnecessary tables by reviewing the data and deciding if it is simple enough to be included in the text. There is a balance, and the APA guideline above gives a good standard cutoff point for text versus table. Finally, when deciding if you should include a table or a figure, ask yourself is it necessary. Are you including it because you think you should or because you think it will look more professional, or are you including it because it is necessary to articulate the data? Only include tables or figures if they are necessary to articulate the data.

Table formatting

Creating tables is not as difficult as it once was. Most word processing programs have functions that allow you to simply select how many rows and columns you want, and then it builds the structure for you. Whether you create a table in LaTeX , Microsoft Word , Microsoft Excel , or Google Sheets , there are some key features that you will want to include. Tables generally include a legend, title, column titles, and the body of the table.

When deciding what the title of the table should be, think about how you would describe the table's contents in one sentence. There isn't a set length for table titles, and it varies depending on the discipline of the research, but it does need to be specific and clear what the table is presenting. Think of this as a concise topic sentence of the table.

Column titles should be designed in such a way that they simplify the contents of the table. Readers will generally skim the column titles first before getting into the data to prepare their minds for what they are about to see. While the text introducing the table will give a brief overview of what data is being presented, the column titles break that information down into easier-to-understand parts. The Purdue OWL gives a good example of what a table format could look like:

When deciding what your column titles should be, consider the width of the column itself when the data is entered. The heading should be as close to the length of the data as possible. This can be accomplished using standard abbreviations. When using symbols for the data, such as the percentage "%" symbol, place the symbol in the heading, and then you will not use the symbol in each entry, because it is already indicated in the column title.

For the body of the table, consistency is key. Use the same number of decimal places for numbers, keep the alignment the same throughout the table data, and maintain the same unit of measurement throughout each column. When information is changed within the same column, the reader can become confused, and your data may be considered inaccurate.

When creating tables, especially those derived from complex datasets or scanned documents, tools like JPG to Excel converter can be incredibly useful. These tools can automate the extraction of tabular data from images, ensuring accuracy and saving time. By converting image-based data into editable Excel sheets, researchers can easily format, analyze, and integrate the information into their papers. Utilizing such converters can enhance the efficiency of your data management process, making the preparation of tables for your research paper more seamless.

Figures in research papers

Figures can be of many different graphical types, including bar graphs, scatterplots, maps, photos, and more. Compared to tables, figures have a lot more variation and personalization. Depending on the discipline, figures take different forms. Sometimes a photograph is the best choice if you're illustrating spatial relationships or data hiding techniques in images. Sometimes a map is best to illustrate locations that have specific characteristics in an economic study. Carefully consider your reader's perspective and what detail you want them to see.

As with tables, your figures should be numbered sequentially and follow the same guidelines for titles and labels. Depending on your chosen style guide, keep the figure or figure placeholder as close to the text introducing it as possible. Similar to the figure title, any captions should be succinct and clear, and they should be placed directly under the figure.

Using the wrong kind of figure is a common mistake that can affect a reader's experience with your research paper. Carefully consider what type of figure will best describe your point. For example, if you are describing levels of decomposition of different kinds of paper at a certain point in time, then a scatter plot would not be the appropriate depiction of that data; a bar graph would allow you to accurately show decomposition levels of each kind of paper at time "t." The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a good example of a bar graph offering easy-to-understand information:

If you have taken a figure from another source, such as from a presentation available online, then you will need to make sure to always cite the source. If you've modified the figure in any way, then you will need to say that you adapted the figure from that source. Plagiarism can still happen with figures – and even tables – so be sure to include a citation if needed.

Using the tips above, you can take your research data and give your reader or reviewer a clear perspective on your findings. As The Writing Center recommends, Consider the best way to communicate information to your audience, especially if you plan to use data in the form of numbers, words, or images that will help you construct and support your argument. If you can summarize the data in a couple of sentences, then don't try and expand that information into an unnecessary table or figure. Trying to use a table or figure in such cases only lengthens the paper and can make the tables and figures meaningless instead of informative.

Carefully choose your table and figure style so that they will serve as quick and clear references for your reader to see patterns, relationships, and trends you have discovered in your research. For additional assistance with formatting and requirements, be sure to review your publication or style guide's instructions to ensure success in the review and submission process.

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• How to present tables and figures in APA Style (6th edition)

Tables & Figures in APA Style (6th Edition) | Format & Examples

Published on November 3, 2020 by Jack Caulfield .

APA Style has specific guidelines for formatting tables and figures and referring to them in the text.

A table concisely presents information (usually numbers) in rows and columns. A figure is any other image or illustration you include in your text – anything from a bar chart to a photograph.

You can create tables and figures yourself or adapt them from other sources. In both cases the format is the same, but if they come from another source you must acknowledge this and include the source in your reference list .

Table of contents

Tables in apa style, figures in apa style, where to place tables and figures, referring to tables and figures in the text.

To correctly format an APA table, follow these rules:

• Table number (in plain text) above the table.
• Brief title (in italics and title case) below the table number.
• Use no vertical lines and as few horizontal lines as possible.
• Notes below the table when necessary.

Table number and title

Tables are numbered in the order they are referred to in your text. The title should clearly and straightforwardly describe the table’s content. Omit articles to keep it concise.

The table number appears on its own line, in plain text, followed by the table title on the following line, in italics and title case. For example:

Tables will vary in size and structure depending on the data you’re presenting, but APA gives some general guidelines for their design.

Do not use vertical lines, and use only as many horizontal lines as are necessary for clarity. The example in the image above uses only four lines: Those at the top and bottom, and those separating the main data from the column heads and the totals.

Create your tables using the tools built into your word processor. In Word, you can use the “ Insert table ” tool.

For column and row headings, use concise and clear labels. Be consistent in the way you present numbers – for example, display the same number of decimal places for each item.

Table notes

Below your table, if necessary, include notes to explain the table. These are not your analysis of the data presented; save that for the main text.

Notes come in three varieties: general, specific, and probability notes.

General notes come first. They are preceded by the word ‘ Note ’ in italics, followed by a period. They include any explanations that apply to the table as a whole and acknowledgements if the table was adapted from another source, and they end with definitions of any abbreviations used:

Note that where tables are adapted from other sources, these sources should also appear on the reference page .

Specific notes are those that refer to specific points in the table. Superscript letters (a, b, c …) appear at the relevant points in the table and at the start of each note to indicate what they refer to. They are used when it’s necessary to comment on a specific data point or term in the table:

Probability notes give p values for the data in the table. They correspond to asterisks (and/or other symbols) in the table:

Each type of note appears in a new paragraph, but multiple notes of the same kind all appear in one paragraph.

Only include the notes that are needed to understand your data. It may be that your table is clear in itself, and has no notes, or only probability notes; be as concise as possible.

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Any images used within your text are called figures. Figures include data visualization graphics – graphs, diagrams, flow-charts, etc. – as well as things like photographs and artworks.

To correctly format an APA figure, follow these rules:

• Labels and legends within the image in the same font and size as the main text.
• Figure number below the image, in italics and followed by a period.
• Figure caption on the same line, in plain text and followed by a period.

Figure and legend

The figure itself appears first. If it’s an infographic, it will usually include labels for the different elements of the graphic, and may also include a legend explaining the meaning of any symbols, colors and shading that cannot be directly labelled. For example, the “Boys” and “Girls” text in the above example is a legend. All of this should be integrated into the image itself.

Keep the design of figures as simple as possible. Use colors only where necessary, not just to make the image look more appealing. For labels and legends, use the same font and font size as in your main text.

For other figures, such as photographs, you won’t need a legend; the figure consists simply of the image itself, reproduced at an appropriate size and resolution.

Figure number and caption

Below the figure, place the figure number and caption:

Figures are numbered in the order they are referred to in the text. The figure number appears in italics.

The caption appears immediately after the number (no line break), and is written in plain text, with sentence case capitalization. The caption should give the title of the image or, if there is no title, a short description.

The caption also provides any additional notes, such as legend information that could not be included in the figure itself, and acknowledgements if the figure was adapted from another source.

You have two options for the placement of tables and figures in APA Style:

• Option 1 : Place tables and figures throughout your text, close to the parts of the text that refer to them.
• Option 2 : Place them all together at the end of your text (after the reference list) to avoid breaking up the text.

If you place them throughout the text, note that each table or figure should only appear once. If you refer to the same table or figure more than once, don’t reproduce it each time – just place it after the paragraph in which it’s first discussed.

Leave a line break after the table or figure to clearly distinguish the main text from the caption or notes, and place the table or figure on a new page if necessary to avoid splitting it across multiple pages.

If you place all your tables and figures at the end, you should have one table or figure on each page. Begin with all your tables, then place all your figures afterwards.

Avoid making redundant statements about your tables and figures in your text. When you write about data from tables and figures, it should be to highlight or analyze a particular data point or trend, not simply to restate what is already clearly shown in the table or figure:

• As Table 1 shows, there are 115 boys in Grade 4, 130 in Grade 5, and 117 in Grade 6 …
• Table 1 indicates a notable preponderance of boys in Grade 5. It is important to take this into account because …

Additionally, even if you have embedded your tables and figures in your text, refer to them by their numbers, not by their position relative to the text or by description:

• The table below shows…
• Table 1 shows…
• As can be seen in the image on page 4…
• As can be seen in Figure 3…
• The photograph of a bald eagle is an example of…
• Figure 1 is an example of…

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Tables and Figures in Research Papers: What Should you Use?

Researchers often use tables and figures in their research paper as visual representations to convey data in a simple way. Tables and figures in research papers not only enable readers to understand complex data at a glance but they also help create better engagement in one’s research. Instead of having to wade through dense paragraphs of text, readers of your research are able to quickly and easily identify patterns, gather important information, and understand interactions between data points with tables and figures.

While there are many kinds of visual tools that students and researchers can employ to explain the approach, methodology, research process and conclusion of their research, deciding whether to use a table, graph or a visual, and what kind – isn’t always easy. In this article, we will cover the basics of using tables and figures in research papers, so you know when and how to use them to accurately communicate research results.

Table of Contents

How to choose between tables and graphs

When choosing whether to use tables or figures in research papers, it is important to consider what type of information you want to convey with your visuals. This will help determine which format would be best suited for the data. If you are presenting numerical data, a table is often the best choice because tables are a great way to compare values or characteristics among related items and are particularly useful for presenting large sets of data in a systematic manner.

Figures or graphs, on the other hand, can be used to show trends, or relationships. Graphs and charts allow readers to quickly and easily identify patterns in data, and are particularly useful for presenting data over time or when comparing different variables.

So, if you have a lot of numerical data, then a tabular format would be more appropriate. If you have more textual data, then a graphical format would be more suitable.

Choosing the appropriate table to present your data

Once you have decided on the type of data you will be presenting, you need to choose a format that can present your data in an easy to read and understand way. Tables can be overwhelming and difficult to read if they are too complex, and therefore, experts suggest keeping the format simple. It is also important to ensure that tables in research papers are accompanied by titles, labels or captions that are clear, concise, and engaging.

Identifying the right kind of graph to convey information

It is important to choose the right kind of graph or chart to communicate and highlight research findings. For example, if you are presenting data over time, a line graph is often the best choice, while a bar graph may be better for comparing different categories of data. Remember to ensure that the graphs, schematic diagrams, line drawings and data plots are clearly presented, and neatly composed. Using a prudent mix of colors and contrasts is a good way to highlight data without complicating it.

Using text is important too

It is important to keep in mind that using tables and figures in research papers may not always be required. It is okay to use text when you do not have extensive or complex data to share. Text can be used to provide context and explanation of the data being presented. Text can also help to provide a narrative to the data, making it easier for readers to understand its significance and implications. Using text is effective when one is not working towards presenting a large dataset or when one wants to present data marginal to the study.

Important points to keep in mind while using tables and figures in research papers

• Tables and figures in research papers must be clearly and simply presented to better clarity and ease of understanding. Figures that are complex or tables with too much information can dissuade readers from reading further and even dampen their interest.
• Remember to ensure that the data is not repeated in the main text of the research paper. Use only critical and necessary data and information in tables and figures that are pertinent to the research area or question being studied.
• Tables and figures in research papers must be integrated into the text in a way that is easy to understand and is visually appealing. It is important to ensure that the font size, style, and colors used are consistent with the overall design of the research paper. This will help to create a professional and cohesive look to the paper.
• It is crucial for researchers to adhere to uniformity in style and format while using tables and figures in research papers. Care must be taken to ensure that these align with the requirements and guidelines of the target journal or publication.
• When presenting tables and figures in research papers, it is important to ensure that they are clearly labelled and titled. This will help readers to understand what they are looking at and why it is important. It is also important to provide a brief explanation of the data or information being presented and provide context for the reader.
• If researchers use tables and figures that are not their own, it is essential that they correctly cite the sources to avoid being charged with plagiarism.

Keeping the above points in mind will help you in making sure that the tables and figures used in research papers effectively communicate critical aspects of your research with readers.

In conclusion, the choice between tables and figures in research papers is a nuanced decision that hinges on the nature of your data and the story you aim to tell. Tables are ideal for presenting precise numerical values and detailed comparisons, while figures excel at visually illustrating trends, patterns, and complex relationships. Consider your research goals, audience, and the most effective way to convey your findings. A strategic combination of tables and figures can enhance the clarity and impact of your research paper. By thoughtfully selecting these visual aids, you empower your readers to better comprehend and engage with your study’s insights.

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Formatting Your Thesis or Dissertation with Microsoft Word

• Lists of Tables and Figures
• Introduction
• Copyright Page
• Dedication, Acknowledgements, & Preface
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• Citations and Bibliography
• Page Numbers
• Tables and Figures
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Lists of tables and figures

Just like the table of contents, Microsoft Word can be used to automatically generate both a list of tables and a list of figures. Automatic generation of these lists has the same advantages as automatically generating the table of contents:

• You don't have to manually type the list of tables or the list of figures
• You don't have to go back and edit the lists if any of the figures or tables changes pages. A couple of clicks and Word will automatically update the list of tables or the list of figures for you.

Below is a tutorial demonstrating how to create the list of tables and the list of figures.

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Nursing Guides & Resources: APA Formatting & Citations

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APA Formatting for Nurses

This guide is designed to help nursing students navigate the intricacies of APA formatting, providing essential resources and practical tips for creating professional and academically rigorous papers.

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Publication manual of the American Psychological Association : the official guide to APA style (2020)

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association  (7th ed.) is essential for academic writing in the social sciences, covering formatting, citations, and data presentation. It ensures clarity and accuracy in writing, reflecting current academic publishing standards, and is widely trusted by students and professionals.

Applying multiculturalism : an ecological approach to the APA guidelines (2024)

Applying Multiculturalism: An Ecological Approach to the APA Guidelines (2024) integrates diverse perspectives into APA style, emphasizing inclusive language and respectful representation of identities. This approach fosters cultural sensitivity and equity in academic writing, aligning with modern diversity principles.

Writing for Publication in Nursing and Healthcare: Getting It Right (2021)

Writing for Publication in Nursing and Healthcare: Getting It Right (2021) provides essential guidance for nurses and healthcare professionals on effective academic writing and navigating the publication process. It focuses on improving writing skills and successfully contributing to scholarly literature in the field.

APA Resources

Bias-Free Language

The APA Style page on "Bias-Free Language" provides guidelines to help writers avoid language that perpetuates bias or discrimination.

For more detailed information, you can visit the full page on Bias-Free Language .

In-Text Citations

The APA Style page on "Citations" provides guidelines for properly citing sources in academic writing, ensuring that writers give appropriate credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.

For detailed guidance, you can visit the full page on APA Citations .

Paper Formatting

The APA Style website provides detailed guidelines on how to format papers according to the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual. This is essential for students, researchers, and professionals who need to adhere to APA style in their written work.

For more detailed information and specific examples, visit the full page on APA Paper Format .

The APA Style page on "References" provides guidelines for creating accurate and consistent reference lists at the end of academic papers.

For detailed guidance and specific examples, you can visit the full page on APA References .

Tables & Figures

The APA Style page on "Tables and Figures" provides guidelines for effectively presenting data in academic papers through tables and figures.

For more detailed guidance and specific examples, you can visit the full page on APA Tables and Figures .

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Call for Papers: Special Issue on Intercultural Competencies and Higher Education, Autumn 2025

Submission Guidelines:

- Article Types: research articles, opinion pieces, brief articles, case studies, and book reviews

- Manuscript Length: 5,000-7,000 words (indicative), including references, tables, and figures

- Formatting: Manuscripts should follow the JALT's formatting guidelines, available on our website

- Submission Process: Please submit your manuscript through JALT portal. Please indicate this is for Volume 8, Special Issue (2).

Important Dates:

Abstract: 31 st December 2024 (250-300 words)

Decision on abstracts: 26 th January 2025

Full paper submission: 30 th April 2025 (5000-7000 words)

Double-blind peer review (tentative): June 2025

Revised paper submission: end of August 2025

Publication (tentative): September/October 2025

Contact Information:

For inquiries related to this special edition, please contact the Guest Editor :

- Dr. Kyriaki Koukouraki: [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your contributions and to fostering an enriching dialogue on the critical role of Intercultural Competencies in higher education.