How to Create a Logical Network Drawing in APA Format

Logical network diagrams are used to plot the relationships between many unique systems, including neural, computer, semantic and sociological networks. The proper method for citing and labeling these diagrams in APA format is relatively simple, but it requires careful consideration of image quality, placement, labeling and succinct titling. You can create your logical network diagram in a word processing program, such as Open Office Writer or Microsoft Word, or simply insert the diagram as a picture. Make sure to clearly label your diagram in sans serif font and convert all images to greyscale, for ease of printing.

Instructions

  1. In-Text Citation

    • 1

      Prepare your logical network diagram for display in a word processing program. Create the diagram as a drawing or paste it as an image in-text. Remember to use sans serif fonts, such as Helvetica, Ariel or Futura when labeling items in your diagram. Fonts should be sized between eight and 14 points. Optimize any images used to minimize file size. Convert images to greyscale and include a solid, black bounding box to offset the image.

    • 2

      Label your diagram as a figure in-text, and number each diagram sequentially. For instance, your first diagram will be labeled as (Figure 1) and the second as (Figure 2). The parenthetical reference should appear at the end of the sentence referencing your diagram.

    • 3

      Position the figure below the parenthetical reference. The figure should occupy no more than two column lengths and should not bleed into the top or bottom margins. According to the OWL Purdue APA Guide, "figures of one column must be between 2 and 3.25 inches wide" and "two column figures must be between 4.75 and 6.875 inches wide."

    • 4

      Label each diagram with a caption, positioned below the figure in italics. The caption should include the figure number, short title and brief description. Unlike the words on the title page, the words in the caption title should appear in lowercase, unless they require capitalization. For example:

      Figure 1. Logical network diagram of a database array. This diagram illustrates the proper alignment of servers in the array.

    Adapted Diagrams

    • 5

      Note the original reference in the caption, if you have adapted the diagram from another source. In this case, the caption should begin with the word, "Note," followed by a brief description and full citation. Remember that journal titles should appear in italics.

      Example:

      Note. Logical network diagram of a database array. Adapted from "Network Diagrams for Database Arrays," by J. Smith. Network Diagrams Quarterly, 46, p. 201.

    • 6

      Distinguish between reprints or adaptations of diagrams. If adapted, cite as "Adapted from" or "Reprinted from," if you are using a direct source.

    • 7

      Cite the original article in the "References" section.

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