appendix on a research paper

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Research Paper Appendix: Format and Examples

An appendix in a research paper contains additional or supplementary information that may aid the reader’s understanding of the subject but is not essential for everyone. It is typically placed at the end of the document. A research paper appendix may contain different types of material, such as text, tables, figures, diagrams and illustrations, maps, raw data, questionnaires used in the study, etc. An appendix in a research paper may also contain information that is too data heavy to include in the main text.   

Separate appendices are typically used for each topic being described, with each appendix having a descriptive title. The main manuscript should be able to stand alone without the research paper appendix and should not depend on it for basic understanding. If the appendix were removed from the paper, it shouldn’t hinder the readers’ understanding of the study. Appendices should always be referred to or cited in the text so that the readers could refer to it if they need additional information.  

The following sections will describe in detail the basic structure and importance of an appendix in a research paper and list the types of content that could be included to help you create comprehensive appendices to supplement your research paper.

Table of Contents

What is an appendix in a research paper ?  

A research paper¹  has detailed information about a study, such as the methods and results, and any information that is additional, but nonessential is usually included in the appendix section at the end of the paper. Including appendices is optional because it has supplementary information that readers may or may not refer to.  

A research paper appendix should be included for the following reasons:  

• Including this information in the main text may interrupt the narrative flow of the paper.  
• The information is too lengthy or detailed to be included in the main paper.  
• Adding the information would significantly increase the word limit.  
• Provides data that can be understood better if presented in a self-contained or independent format  
• Offers the opportunity to present additional information about your study, including design methods, cohort details, etc.  

Importance of an appendix in a research paper    

The main aim of including an appendix in a research paper is to provide additional material to support the paper although it may not be directly relevant to the understanding of the study. This additional material provides more clarity to readers and is an optional read, so readers can choose whether or not they would want to refer to it. Appendices can also help you in demonstrating your thoroughness and credibility as a researcher by sharing your evidence, data, and methods that support your findings. An appendix in a research paper also gives you an opportunity to be creative and flexible in presenting additional information through different formats, such as videos, audio clips, etc., to illustrate your text.²  

Thus, the functions of an appendix in a research paper can be summarized as follows:  

• Provide additional information  
• Organize and present complex data  
• Maintain readability of the main paper  
• Provide an expanded context for readers to verify and extend research  

General points to consider while adding a research paper appendix  

Here are a few points to consider while adding an appendix in a research paper .¹,³  

• Finalize the content type : Identify the type of content you want to add, separate the appendices based on data, don’t combine them. Do not include vague or irrelevant information.  
• Organize and label : Appendices should have a logical structure and numbering. Use letters or numbers to label multiple appendices. List appendices in the order in which they are cited in the main text.  
• Format : Ensure consistent formatting across all appendices—same font size, typeface, clear titles, and captions.  
• Place in a sequence : Ensure that the appendix is placed at the end of the document. Always cite every appendix in the research paper .   

What to include in the appendix    

Here are the types of content that could be included in an appendix in a research paper .¹  

• Detailed textual descriptions  
• Raw data—This information is usually very detailed, and the main paper may need only the analysis of the main data. In such cases, including this basic raw data in the research paper appendix would help readers to recheck and validate your findings, providing credibility to your research. The data could be in the form of spreadsheets.  
• Tables and figures—These supplemental tables and figures should follow a numbering independent of the numbering in the main paper because they are stand alone.  
• Maps, photographs, diagrams—Include these if you feel that they would aid readers’ understanding.  
• Audio or video clips  
• Correspondence—collaboration in the form of memos, letters, email copies  
• Interview transcripts—Full transcripts for clear understanding, interview questions  
• Questionnaires or surveys—survey instruments, questions  
• Research instruments—devices used to gather information, like cameras and recorders  
• Sample calculations—research formulae, descriptions of how calculations were used to determine relationships and significance  
• Additional documents—permission forms, consent forms, ethical approval documentation  

How to format an appendix    

Here are a few general rules on how to format an appendix in a research paper . 1 In addition, specific style guides may be referred to if required.  

• Each appendix in a research paper should begin on a new page.  
• Label the first page Appendix at the top of the page.  
• In case of two or more appendices, give each appendix a number or letter and a descriptive title. For example, Appendix A. XXX.  
• The appendices should be ordered in the same order in which they are cited in the text.  
• Appendices should be paginated separately from the main text, preferably with lower case Roman numerals.  

Appendices are usually formatted using three guides—APA, Chicago, and MLA, as described below.³  

  How to refer to an appendix  

To refer to an entire appendix in a research paper , simply signpost it as follows:  

The results show the association between the variables X and Y (see Appendix 1)…  

If referring to a part of the research paper appendix , the specific component can also be mentioned.  

This association between the variables (see Appendix A, Figure 2)…  

Where to place appendices   

An appendix in a research paper is usually placed at the end of your manuscript, after the reference section. Another format is to include all appendices as a separate document to be submitted along with your manuscript.  

Key Takeaways  

Here’s a quick summary of all the points described in detail in the previous sections.  

• An appendix in a research paper contains additional information to supplement and support your main research paper.  
• This information is an optional, nonessential read, and readers may choose to refer to it only if they are interested in further details on that topic.  
• Research paper appendix content could include detailed text, tables, figures, maps, illustrations, raw data, calculations, audio-video clips, etc.  
• Appendices are typically placed at the end of the manuscript after all other sections, such as references. However, the specific format may differ based on style guides.  
• An appendix in a research paper should be clearly labelled and titled and should be listed in the order in which they are cited in the text. Every appendix should mandatorily be cited in the text.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1. Why is an appendix placed at the end and not within the main body of a research paper?  

A1. An appendix in a research paper contains additional information that may not be useful for all the readers. In addition, some guidelines may have restrictions about the word count. In such cases, including appendices at the end of the paper saves space and is useful for readers who are interested in it. Appendices are also included in PowerPoint presentations, but authors have the option of hiding that information and presenting it only if necessary.  

Q2. How should I format a research paper appendix in APA 7th Edition?  

A2. The following formatting guidelines should be followed to format an appendix in APA 7 th edition: 4  

• The appendix should be created on its own individual page titled “Appendix.”  
• The page title should be followed by a title that describes the subject of the appendix.  
• The headings should be center aligned at the top of the page, boldfaced, and written in title case.  
• In case of multiple appendices, each should be titled “Appendix A” or “Appendix 1” depending on the guidelines.  
• All appendices should be referenced in the text accordingly, for example, “see Appendix A” or “see the Appendix.”  
• Appendices should always be included as the last section of the research paper, after references, tables, and figures.  
• should be formatted in paragraph style  
• may include text, figures, tables, equations, or footnotes  
• should have all illustrative components labelled with the letter of the corresponding appendix, followed by a number to indicate the order within the appendix. For example, “Table C2” would be the second table in Appendix C.  

If the appendix in a research paper has only one component like a figure or table, then that component should be labelled as the appendix rather than figure or table. For example, if Appendix A includes only a table, then the table would be titled as “Appendix A” rather than “Table A1.” Here’s a sample appendix to illustrate the points mentioned above.

Q3. How should I format a research paper appendix in MLA style, 9 th edition?  

A3. The following guidelines should be followed for formatting appendices according to MLA style: 5  

• The appendix appears before the Works Cited list (or References).  
• For more than one appendix, label them as Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on.  
• The appendices should be ordered in the order the information appears in your research paper.  
• Each appendix should begin on a new page.   

Q4. Can I include images or tables in a research paper appendix ?  

A4. Yes, appendices are appropriate for including all supplementary information that could add to the understanding of your research data. This additional information can be in any format—text, figures, illustrations, maps, calculations, diagrams, tables, graphs, etc.  

Q5. Do I need to include appendices in the table of contents?  

A5. While several guidelines prefer including appendices in the table of contents, other guidelines prefer a separate list of appendices in case of more than one and mentioning only “appendices” in the table of contents.  

Q6. What if the appendix in a research paper contains copyrighted material? 6,7  

A6. If the appendix in a research paper includes reproductions of copyrighted material, you should, in some cases, obtain written authorization from the copyright holder. Using material in your paper more than that defined by the “fair use” principle, which allows for limited use of a work without first obtaining the copyright holder’s permission, may amount to copyright infringement.  

Different levels of permission can be required:  

• No permission required : When explicit licensing for use for any purpose is granted by the holder; only a limited portion is used; includes information developed by governments and is in the public domain.  
• Non-commercial or educational use : The copyright holder has licensed the instrument for only educational or non-commercial use. Any other use requires permission.  
• Permission required : This may be needed if the copyright holder has some restrictions for the use, for example, they have specific directions for use, correct version may be needed, etc. In such cases, you will need to contact the copyright holder directly.  

Q7. What is the difference between an appendix and a footnote or endnote?  

A7. The following table lists some differences between appendices and footnotes or endnotes. 3  

To summarize, an appendix in a research paper is an important component if you need to provide readers with supplementary information that may help them in understanding certain aspects of your study in more detail. Being an optional part of a research paper, it gives you the benefit of providing more details while adhering to constraints of space and words counts. We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of a research paper appendix and has given you an insight into the types of content that can be included in it.  

References  

• Organizing your social science research paper. USC libraries research guides. Accessed August 14, 2024. https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/appendices  
• How to write an appendix: Explained with ease. EssayHub website. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://essayhub.com/blog/how-to-write-an-appendix-explained-with-ease  
• Caleb S. Extensive guide on appendix writing for graduating students. CollegeEssay website. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://collegeessay.org/blog/general/appendix-writing  
• Footnotes and appendices. Purdue University online writing lab. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/footnotes_appendices.html  

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Home » Appendices – Writing Guide, Types and Examples

Appendices – Writing Guide, Types and Examples

Table of Contents

Definition:

Appendices refer to supplementary materials or documents that are attached to the end of a Book, Report , Research Paper , Thesis or other written work. These materials can include charts, graphs, tables, images, or other data that support the main content of the work.

Types of Appendices

Types of appendices that can be used depending on the content and purpose of the document. These types of Appendices are as follows:

Statistical Appendices

Statistical appendices are used to present raw data or statistical analysis that is relevant to the main text but would be too bulky to include in the main body of the document. These appendices may include tables, graphs, charts, or other types of visual aids that help to illustrate the data.

Technical Appendices

Technical appendices are used to provide detailed technical information that is relevant to the main text but would be too complex or lengthy to include in the main body of the document. These appendices may include equations, formulas, diagrams, or other technical details that are important for understanding the subject matter.

Bibliographical Appendices

Bibliographical appendices are used to provide additional references or sources that are relevant to the main text but were not cited in the main body of the document. These appendices may include lists of books, articles, or other resources that the author consulted in the course of their research.

Historical Appendices

Historical appendices are used to provide background information or historical context that is relevant to the main text but would be too lengthy or distracting to include in the main body of the document. These appendices may include timelines, maps, biographical sketches, or other historical details that help to contextualize the subject matter.

Supplemental Appendices

Supplemental appendices are used to provide additional material that is relevant to the main text but does not fit into any of the other categories. These appendices may include interviews, surveys, case studies, or other types of supplemental material that help to further illustrate the subject matter.

Applications of Appendices

Some applications of appendices are:

• Providing detailed data and statistics: Appendices are often used to include detailed data and statistics that support the findings presented in the main body of the document. For example, in a research paper, an appendix might include raw data tables or graphs that were used to support the study’s conclusions.
• Including technical details: Appendices can be used to include technical details that may be of interest to a specialized audience. For example, in a technical report, an appendix might include detailed calculations or equations that were used to develop the report’s recommendations.
• Presenting supplementary information: Appendices can be used to present supplementary information that is related to the main content but doesn’t fit well within the main body of the document. For example, in a business proposal, an appendix might include a list of references or a glossary of terms.
• Providing supporting documentation: Appendices can be used to provide supporting documentation that is required by the document’s audience. For example, in a legal document, an appendix might include copies of contracts or agreements that were referenced in the main body of the document.
• Including multimedia materials : Appendices can be used to include multimedia materials that supplement the main content. For example, in a book, an appendix might include photographs, maps, or illustrations that help to clarify the text.

Importance of Appendices

Appendices are important components of research papers, reports, Thesis, and other academic papers. They are supplementary materials that provide additional information and data that support the main text. Here are some reasons why appendices are important:

• Additional Information : Appendices provide additional information that is too detailed or too lengthy to include in the main text. This information includes raw data, graphs, tables, and charts that support the research findings.
• Clarity and Conciseness : Appendices help to maintain the clarity and conciseness of the main text. By placing detailed information and data in appendices, writers can avoid cluttering the main text with lengthy descriptions and technical details.
• Transparency : Appendices increase the transparency of research by providing readers with access to the data and information used in the research process. This transparency increases the credibility of the research and allows readers to verify the findings.
• Accessibility : Appendices make it easier for readers to access the data and information that supports the research. This is particularly important in cases where readers want to replicate the research or use the data for their own research.
• Compliance : Appendices can be used to comply with specific requirements of the research project or institution. For example, some institutions may require researchers to include certain types of data or information in the appendices.

Appendices Structure

Here is an outline of a typical structure for an appendix:

I. Introduction

• A. Explanation of the purpose of the appendix
• B. Brief overview of the contents

II. Main Body

• A. Section headings or subheadings for different types of content
• B. Detailed descriptions, tables, charts, graphs, or images that support the main content
• C. Labels and captions for each item to help readers navigate and understand the content

III. Conclusion

• A. Summary of the key points covered in the appendix
• B. Suggestions for further reading or resources

IV. Appendices

• A. List of all the appendices included in the document
• B. Table of contents for the appendices

V. References

• A. List of all the sources cited in the appendix
• B. Proper citation format for each source

Example of Appendices

here’s an example of what appendices might look like for a survey:

Appendix A:

Survey Questionnaire

This section contains a copy of the survey questionnaire used for the study.

• What is your age?
• What is your gender?
• What is your highest level of education?
• How often do you use social media?
• Which social media platforms do you use most frequently?
• How much time do you typically spend on social media each day?
• Do you feel that social media has had a positive or negative impact on your life?
• Have you ever experienced cyberbullying or harassment on social media?
• Have you ever been influenced by social media to make a purchase or try a new product?
• In your opinion, what are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of social media?

Appendix B:

Participant Demographics

This section includes a table with demographic information about the survey participants, such as age, gender, and education level.

Age Gender Education Level

• 20 Female Bachelor’s Degree
• 32 Male Master’s Degree
• 45 Female High School Diploma
• 28 Non-binary Associate’s Degree

Appendix C:

Statistical Analysis

This section provides details about the statistical analysis performed on the survey data, including tables or graphs that illustrate the results of the analysis.

Table 1: Frequency of Social Media Platforms

Use Platform Frequency

• Facebook 35%
• Instagram 28%
• Twitter 15%
• Snapchat 12%

Figure 1: Impact of Social Media on Life Satisfaction

Appendix D:

Survey Results

This section presents the raw data collected from the survey, such as participant responses to each question.

Question 1: What is your age?

Question 2: What is your gender?

And so on for each question in the survey.

How to Write Appendices

Here are the steps to follow to write appendices:

• Determine what information to include: Before you start writing your appendices, decide what information you want to include. This may include tables, figures, graphs, charts, photographs, or other types of data that support the main content of your paper.
• Organize the material: Once you have decided what to include, organize the material in a logical manner that follows the sequence of the main content. Use clear headings and subheadings to make it easy for readers to navigate through the appendices.
• Label the appendices: Label each appendix with a capital letter (e.g., “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” etc.) and provide a brief descriptive title that summarizes the content.
• F ormat the appendices: Follow the same formatting style as the rest of your paper or report. Use the same font, margins, and spacing to maintain consistency.
• Provide detailed explanations: Make sure to provide detailed explanations of any data, charts, graphs, or other information included in the appendices so that readers can understand the significance of the material.
• Cross-reference the appendices: In the main text, cross-reference the appendices where appropriate by referring to the appendix letter and title (e.g., “see Appendix A for more information”).
• Review and revise: Review and revise the appendices just as you would any other part of your paper or report to ensure that the information is accurate, clear, and relevant.

When to Write Appendices

Appendices are typically included in a document when additional information needs to be provided that is not essential to the main text, but still useful for readers who want to delve deeper into a topic. Here are some common situations where you might want to include appendices:

• Supporting data: If you have a lot of data that you want to include in your document, but it would make the main text too lengthy or confusing, you can include it in an appendix. This is especially useful for academic papers or reports.
• Additional examples: I f you want to include additional examples or case studies to support your argument or research, but they are not essential to the main text, you can include them in an appendix.
• Technical details: I f your document contains technical information that may be difficult for some readers to understand, you can include detailed explanations or diagrams in an appendix.
• Background information : If you want to provide background information on a topic that is not directly related to the main text, but may be helpful for readers, you can include it in an appendix.

Purpose of Appendices

The purposes of appendices include:

• Providing additional details: Appendices can be used to provide additional information that is too detailed or bulky to include in the main body of the document. For example, technical specifications, data tables, or lengthy survey results.
• Supporting evidence: Appendices can be used to provide supporting evidence for the arguments or claims made in the main body of the document. This can include supplementary graphs, charts, or other visual aids that help to clarify or support the text.
• Including legal documents: Appendices can be used to include legal documents that are referred to in the main body of the document, such as contracts, leases, or patent applications.
• Providing additional context: Appendices can be used to provide additional context or background information that is relevant to the main body of the document. For example, historical or cultural information, or a glossary of technical terms.
• Facilitating replication: In research papers, appendices are used to provide detailed information about the research methodology, raw data, or analysis procedures to facilitate replication of the study.

Advantages of Appendices

Some Advantages of Appendices are as follows:

• Saving Space: Including lengthy or detailed information in the main text of a document can make it appear cluttered and overwhelming. By placing this information in an appendix, it can be included without taking up valuable space in the main text.
• Convenience: Appendices can be used to provide supplementary information that is not essential to the main argument or discussion but may be of interest to some readers. By including this information in an appendix, readers can choose to read it or skip it, depending on their needs and interests.
• Organization: Appendices can be used to organize and present complex information in a clear and logical manner. This can make it easier for readers to understand and follow the main argument or discussion of the document.
• Compliance : In some cases, appendices may be required to comply with specific document formatting or regulatory requirements. For example, research papers may require appendices to provide detailed information on research methodology, data analysis, or technical procedures.

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Organizing Academic Research Papers: Appendices

• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Glossary of Research Terms
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• Executive Summary
• Background Information
• The Research Problem/Question
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Content Alert Services
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tertiary Sources
• What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Annotated Bibliography
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• How to Manage Group Projects
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Essays
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Acknowledgements

An appendix contains supplementary material that is not an essential part of the text itself but which may be helpful in providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem and/or is information which is too cumbersome to be included in the body of the paper. A separate appendix should be used for each distinct topic or set of data and always have a title descriptive of its contents .

Importance of...

Your research paper must be complete without the appendices, and it must contain all information including tables, diagrams, and results necessary to address the research problem. The key point to remember when you are writing an appendix is that the information is non-essential; if it were removed, the paper would still be understandable.

It is appropriate to include appendices...

• When the incorporation of material in the body of the work would make it poorly structured or it would be too long and detailed and
• To ensure inclusion of helpful, supporting, or essential material that would otherwise clutter or break up the narrative flow of the paper, or it would be distracting to the reader.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  General Points to Consider

When considering whether to include content in an appendix, keep in mind the following points:

• It is usually good practice to include your raw data in an appendix, laying it out in a clear format so the reader can re-check your results. Another option if you have a large amount of raw data is to consider placing it online and note this as the appendix to your research paper.
• Any tables and figures included in the appendix should be numbered as a separate sequence from the main paper . Remember that appendices contain non-essential information that, if removed, would not diminish a reader's understanding of the overall research problem being investigated. This is why non-textual elements should not carry over the sequential numbering of elements in the paper.
• If you have more than three appendices, consider listing them on a separate page at the beginning of your paper . This will help the reader know before reading the paper what information is included in the appendices [always list the appendix or appendices in a table of contents].
• The appendix can be a good place to put maps, photographs, diagrams, and other non-textual elements , if you feel that it will help the reader to understand the content of your paper, but remembering that the paper should be understandable without them.
• An appendix should be streamlined and not loaded with a lot information . If you have a very long and complex appendix, it is a good idea to break it down into separate appendices, allowing the reader to find relevant information quickly.

II.  Contents

Appendices may include some of the following, all of which should be referred to or summarized in the text of your paper:

• Supporting evidence [e.g. raw data]
• Contributory facts or specialized data [raw data appear in the appendix, but with summarized data appearing in the body of the text].
• Sample calculations
• Technical figures, graphs, tables, statistics
• Detailed description of research instruments
• Maps, charts, photographs, drawings
• Letters, emails, and other copies of correspondance
• Questionnaire/survey instruments, with the results appearing in the text
• Complete transcripts of interviews
• Complete field notes from observations
• Specification or data sheets

NOTE:   Do not include vague or irrelevant information in an appendix; this additional information will not help the reader’s overall understanding and interpretation of your research and may only succeed in distracting the reader from understanding your research study.

III.  Format

Here are some general guideline on how to format appendices, but consult the writing style guide [e.g., APA] your professor wants you to use for the class, if needed:

• Appendices may precede or follow your list of references.
• Each appendix begins on a new page.
• The order they are presented is dictated by the order they are mentioned in the text of your research paper.
• The heading should be "Appendix," followed by a letter or number [e.g., "Appendix A" or "Appendix 1"], centered and written in bold.
• Appendices must be listed in the table of contents [if used].
• The page number(s) of the appendix/appendices will continue on with the numbering from the last page of the text.

Appendices . The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College; Tables, Appendices, Footnotes and Endnotes . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Lunsford, Andrea A. and Robert Connors. The St. Martin's Handbook. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989.

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Citations - APA: Formatting - Essay, Reference List, Appendix, & Sample Paper

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• Diane Hacker APA Sample Paper

If you are adding an appendix to your paper there are a few rules to follow that comply with APA guidelines:

• The Appendix appears  after  the References list
• If you have more than one appendix you would name the first appendix Appendix A, the second Appendix B, etc.
• The appendices should appear in the order that the information is mentioned in your essay
• Each appendix begins on a new page
• APA Sample Paper - with Appendix (Purdue OWL example)

Quick Rules for an APA Reference List

Your research paper ends with a list of all the sources cited in the text of the paper. Here are nine quick rules for this Reference list.

• Start a new page for your Reference list. Centre the title, References, at the top of the page.
• Double-space the list.
• Start the first line of each reference at the left margin; indent each subsequent line five spaces (a hanging indent).
• Put your list in alphabetical order. Alphabetize the list by the first word in the reference. In most cases, the first word will be the author’s last name. Where the author is unknown, alphabetize by the first word in the title, ignoring the words a, an, the.
• For each author, give the last name followed by a comma and the first (and middle, if listed) initials followed by periods.
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• If more than one place of publication is listed give the publisher's home office. If the home office is not given or known then choose the first location listed.
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APA Appendix – Construction, Rules & Examples

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While an appendix is fairly self-explanatory, academic writing styles have their own conventions on how to create and use this section of a paper. The APA appendix comes at the end of your paper and provides supplementary material not present within the main body with the purpose of complementing the primary text. It typically offers deeper insight into the research and results. Master the task of creating and formatting an APA appendix below.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 APA Appendix – In a Nutshell
• 2 Definition: APA appendix
• 3 When is it relevant to create an APA appendix?
• 4 APA appendix format
• 5 Naming and structuring an APA appendix

APA Appendix – In a Nutshell

• An APA appendix isn’t mandatory.
• An APA appendix contains supplementary material that is too detailed or distracting if included in your main text.
• Do not use an APA appendix as an info dump – appendix information should be included for value and research transparency, and only if it is referenced within your research.
• An APA appendix appears as the last section of your paper, clearly labelled with APA style conventions.
• Refer to tables and figures within your main text just as they appear in your appendix.

Definition: APA appendix

An appendix is derived from the Latin “appendere” (“to add”).

In academic terminology, an appendix is the end section of a paper where extra information is provided for the reader. The plural of appendix is appendices. Appendices often consist of research materials in the form of tables and figures, but textual appendices are also permitted. The APA style advocates for the APA appendix to be placed very last, after references, in a paper’s order.

When is it relevant to create an APA appendix?

Appendices aren’t mandatory and should only be included if they help the reader understand, interpret or evaluate your main argument. As all essential information is included within the text, including figures and tables, only supplementary material appears in appendices. However, appendices can be useful for listing the following:

• Interview transcripts that are partially quoted within your main argument. This is for transparency.
• Complete and detailed statistical data. You can provide supplementary tables for figures, like charts, used in your main body.
• Detailed descriptions of items or complex equipment used in your research.
• Full documents or forms used in your research, whether test group questionnaires or scales.

An APA appendix doesn’t just appear without any reference. Each APA appendix must be mentioned at least once within your paper’s main body. If you don’t actually refer to an appendix, do not include it.

When you reference or discuss information found in an appendix, you don’t need to repeat the appendix name each time you discuss the general topic.

“Interviewee C described her experiences growing up in Holmes County, Ohio as “formative” (see Appendix C for full interview transcripts) .”

APA appendix format

An APA appendix section follows similar formatting conventions to other sections in the APA style:

• The title appears bold and centered at the top of the page.
• Underneath the main appendix title you’ll provide a descriptive title for the content. (similarly formatted)
• The rest of the appendix follows the APA style with a left-aligned and double-spaced text layout .
• Page numbers should be listed in the top right header .

Note: Always start a new appendix on a separate page , not underneath another.

Naming and structuring an APA appendix

You should present your appendices in alphabetical order that relates to their reference position within your text. Appendix A will be the first appendix mentioned, and so on.

An APA appendix must be titled and referenced correctly. If you have just one appendix, this is simply titled “Appendix” and appears as “see Appendix” in the text. However, if you’re using multiple appendices, follow the titling convention of “Appendix A”, “Appendix B” and so on.

You can include additional tables and figures within your APA appendix. However, unlike their use within your main text, appendix-based tables and figures follow different labeling conventions.

Each appendix has its own alphabetical label followed by a numerical reference for each table/figure included.

Refer to individual tables and figures within your main text with the above conventions, e.g., (see Fig C1). However, if an appendix consists of just one figure or table, you can refer to it by the appendix name, like “Appendix C”.

What is an appendix?

An appendix is a section of your paper that includes additional information to supplement your research. Examples of content include interview transcripts and raw data.

Can I cite external sources in my APA appendix?

Yes. Follow APA in-text citation guidelines by treating your appendix like the main text. Any sources must be included in the Reference List section.

Do I need to include an APA appendix?

An appendix is not mandatory but should be used where appropriate. If in doubt, consult your professor or subject guidelines.

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How to Write an Appendix: Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

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While composing your work, you may stumble upon a question on how to write an appendix.

An appendix is a supplemental section of a research paper that provides additional information, data, or materials to support the main content. The appendix is usually placed at the end of the document and is numbered with letters or numbers, such as "Appendix A," "Appendix B," etc. The purpose of an appendix is to provide readers with supplementary details that are not included in the main text but are relevant to the topic.

Once you decide on writing appendices, you should collect additional information and format your text as required. Here, we will talk about how you can work with appendices. We will also show some nuances of their preparation process using a real example. Is the deadline around the corner? Consider using professional research paper help from expert scholars.

What Is an Appendix: Definition

Experienced researchers know what an appendix in a paper is. But aspiring authors often have problems with this section of the work. First of all, you should understand that appendices are an additional section of a dissertation or any other scientific paper that includes additional information. Main points are not placed in an appendix meanwhile at the end of your work it can expand on some context or clarify author’s position on a particular issue. Also, an appendix is ​​often placed after the citation page of a work. It is indicated with the help of references in a main text.

What Is the Purpose of an Appendix

Quite often, authors don’t understand the purpose of an appendix. This usually looks like a table and is not included in a main text. Remember that content of your dissertation should be concise and clear. It is also undesirable if you deviate from your theme so as not to confuse readers. Therefore, you can provide a reference, which will lead a reader to an appendix of a thesis. Typically, the purpose of an appendix is to extra information that is usually not included in the text's body. It expresses author's point of view, and provides additional information. It may not address the immediate topic of your dissertation or expand on current research. As a reminder, your work should be clear even without studying an appendix. So make sure you don't put important details there.

What Can You Include in an Appendix

An appendix in a paper is a supplement to a main text, not a replacement. You can put different elements there. It is better if you separate appendices, highlighting one element in each of them. Don’t forget about separate references in your text. Otherwise it will be difficult for a reader to understand your information better. Thus, the following information can be added:

• diagrams with illustrative figures;
• abbreviations ;
• interviews;
• statistics, and much more.

There are no restrictions on content added to your dissertation's appendices. Theoretically, you can attach absolutely any information that is relevant to your topic. Thus, possibilities for evidence base are almost unlimited. All you need to do is add tables or any other information.

How to Write an Appendix: Full Guide

If you already have experience working on dissertations and other scientific texts, you will not wonder how to make an appendix. However, it is still important that you get some advice on how to properly structure an appendices section. This will help add information that may be redundant in the main part of your paper. We offer 4 simple steps to create an informative and readable appendix block.

Step 1. Make an Appendix: Include Your Data

When creating an appendix, include extra data in their raw form. That is, you might not have used some details in your main paper. But you want a reader to know more information. For example, it can be calculations, some results of which are mentioned in your main text. Or maybe, you can add some statistics that clearly demonstrate your research paper conclusion . You can also include facts from other scientific sources that support your position. One thing is important — information should complement your text but not contradict it.

Step 2. Include Visual Supporting Documents in an Appendix 

When you are writing an appendix, you can’t avoid visual additions that clearly demonstrate an information and save an author from lengthy descriptions in the text. Should you need to support your conclusions drawn in the scientific text, these can be used:

Don’t forget: you should quote and indicate the authorship of graphics used in your work. If you took it from any third-party sources, of course. Thus, a reader will be able to find additional data that explains the content of your text. It is good if you personally put results of your research in a graphic form. To do this, you can use Office programs, graphic editors and other programs available to PC users.

Step 3. Describe the Instruments of Your Research in Your Appendices

It is good if your appendix in the research paper has a section for indicating tools that were used during the preparation of your dissertation writing . This way, your reader will understand how you collected information and do it themselves. For example, it could be a dictaphone or tape recorder on which an interview with your expert was recorded. Or you might have used a video camera for recording facts and interviews. In such case, it is advisable to indicate these instruments in your appendix. Specialized equipment for measuring, calculating and making graphics should also be added at the beginning of the appendix. This way, you will demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Research units don’t require extra tools, so make sure they are listed. You can do it even in a short format.

Step 4. Include an Interview and Transcripts in an Appendix

When conducting interviews and surveys for collecting information, make an appendix with photocopies of handwritten materials or electronic copies of digital surveys. Their order is not important. The main thing is that your research text contains references. This will allow you to quickly study the sources. You should not only show that the source contains important data but also explain it. So, even additional content, including questions and answers, needs to be listed. But if you originally had a readable format, you don’t need to do this. In addition to interviews, also add screenshots or photos of correspondences used for surveys. For example, you can refer to a significant researcher with whom you exchanged letters. Or maybe you studied subject, together with this researcher, and they gave some comments on a particular issue. Do not know how to write a discussion section of a research paper ? Do not worry, we have the whole article dedicated to this topic.

Formatting an Appendix: Main Rules

Formatting of appendices is required in any case. First of all, provide correct citations. APA, MLA, and Chicago are the most commonly used standards. Although, you should clarify what formatting requirements your institution has. Correct formatting includes:

• Appendix title. Write it at the top of the content page, indicate its title, using letters or numbers for ordering.
• Sorted by mention. Don’t add appendices randomly, it is better to do it in chronological order. That is, as information from it is given in main text.
• Location after bibliography. This is a general requirement that cannot always be met. For example, if your professor wants the appendices to be put before the bibliography, this will have to be done.
• Page numbers. All dissertation pages should be numbered, even if they are blank. This will make the appendix block the part of main text.

Also, review your appendix before approval. Make sure that its content is clear, error-free, and correctly quoted.

Appendix Example

To do the job successfully, it is recommended to have an example of an appendix at hand. Without it, there are usually problems with a choice of font and mentions that appear in main text. We will show you what the appendix itself looks like at the end of the dissertation using a short interview as an example.

We have one more blog in case you wonder what is an abstract in a paper  or need some examples and writing tips.

How to Make an Appendix: Final Thoughts

Thus, we talked about how to write an appendix. It allows you to include additional details, while avoiding writing them in the body of your text. To do this, one can use graphics, transcriptions of conversations, tables and statistics — anything that complements your research. Be sure to clarify formatting requirements of your university. Arrange appendices in an order in which they appear in your text. Try to use your own materials and not take other people's work. In case of unique findings, they can be used in your work.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Appendix Writing

1. how do you add an appendix to an essay.

The inclusion of appendix to an essay is the same as to any other paper. You need to provide references in your text of an essay itself, as well as submit attachments after a bibliography. Don't forget to specify name of an appendix for easy navigation.

2. Do I add references to the appendix?

Yes, this is not only recommended but must be done. In this case the appendix will allow your reader to check the reliability of sources you used. Moreover, if you took any information from third-party sources, this protect you from plagiarism charges.

4. How do you create an appendix in Word?

It is not difficult to prepare an appendix in Word, because this Office program contains all the necessary tools. To get started, choose the same font, font size and indentation that were used in the main text, so as not to visually break away from it. We also recommend that you apply title formatting with built-in Word tools. Place the appendix titles at the top in the center of a page. In this case it will be much easier to navigate the paper.

3. What is an appendix in a report example?

You can include a wide range of information into an appendix in a report. It is better to opt for descriptive formats, though. For example, it can be graphical or mathematical research results, statistics of a certain phenomenon, and questionnaires filled in by other people.

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General Research Paper Guidelines: Appendices

If you have some information you would like to include in your research but it could potentially be distracting to readers or inappropriate within the body of your research paper, you can always include supplemental information as an appendix to your work. An appendix or appendices should always be inserted after your Reference List; however, the appropriateness of appendix content really depends on the nature and scope of your research paper.

For a more in-depth review of what supplemental materials might be included in a social science appendix, be sure to review Section 2.14 “Appendices” (pp. 41-42) of your 7 th edition APA manual.

Appendices Formatting

APA 7 addresses appendices and supplemental materials in Section 2.14 and on page 41:

• The appendices follow the reference list.
• They are lettered "Appendix A," "Appendix B," "Appendix C," and so forth. If you have only one appendix, however, simply label it Appendix.
• Put figures and tables in separate appendices. The appendix title serves as the title for a table if it is the only table in the appendix.
• If you decide that certain figures and tables should appear in the same appendix, number them A1, A2, A3, and so forth, according to the appendix in which they appear.
• The materials in the appendix must not extend beyond the margins of the rest of the paper: Reduce the appendix materials as needed.

As a general guide, appendices are appropriate for any material that, if presented in the main body of the document, would unnecessarily interrupt the flow of the writing. Note that it is unlikely that you will use appendices in Walden course papers. For doctoral capstone studies, you might include some appendices with supplementary information.

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