Understanding Exhibits in APA Style
Exhibits are supplementary materials that provide additional information, data, or visual representations to support the arguments presented in your paper. Think of them as "extra evidence" you can use to:
* Illustrate complex concepts: Charts, graphs, figures, or tables can clarify data and relationships.
* Present raw data: Include tables of data, survey results, interview transcripts, etc.
* Show examples: Use images, diagrams, or samples to demonstrate a point.
How to Format and Insert Exhibits
1. Placement:
* Exhibits are generally placed after the References section and before the Appendix.
* If you have multiple exhibits, number them consecutively (Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, etc.).
2. Title and Numbering:
* Exhibit Title: Provide a clear, descriptive title for each exhibit, using a concise and informative format.
* Exhibit Number: Use Arabic numerals to number each exhibit (e.g., "Exhibit 1").
3. Labeling and Formatting:
* Label: Include a "Note:" statement beneath the title, specifying the source of the information if it's not your own work.
* Formatting: Refer to the APA Manual for specific formatting guidelines for figures, tables, and other visual aids.
4. Referencing in the Text:
* In-Text Citations: Refer to your exhibit within your paper's text using a parenthetical citation. For example:
* "(See Exhibit 1)"
* "As shown in Exhibit 2..."
* "Exhibit 3 illustrates..."
* Specific Elements: If you want to highlight specific aspects of an exhibit, you can use a combination of textual description and exhibit referencing. For example:
* "The increase in sales is evident in Exhibit 4, particularly in the third quarter."
Examples of Exhibits
* Figures: Graphs, charts, diagrams, photographs, and illustrations.
* Tables: Data presented in a structured format with rows and columns.
* Appendices: Detailed information, lengthy surveys, interview transcripts, or supplementary data that is not essential to the core argument of your paper.
Example Exhibit in APA Format
Exhibit 1
Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand Awareness
Note: Data adapted from a 2023 survey by the American Marketing Association.
```
| Social Media Platform | Brand Awareness Increase (%) |
|---|---|
| Facebook | 35 |
| Instagram | 28 |
| Twitter | 18 |
| TikTok | 15 |
```
Key Tips
* Relevance: Only include exhibits that are directly related to your research question and arguments.
* Clarity: Make sure exhibits are easy to understand and interpreted in the context of your paper.
* Accessibility: If you have exhibits that contain images or charts, ensure they are accessible to people with visual impairments.
Additional Resources:
* Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (latest edition)
* APA Style Guide: https://apastyle.apa.org/
* Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): https://owl.purdue.edu/
By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate exhibits into your APA paper, enhancing its clarity, persuasiveness, and overall impact.