A figure title simplifies or enhances a readers understanding of the data. Figures are numbered (in bold) and the title is placed above the figure. Like tables, the title of the figure should be one double spaced line below the figure number, italicized, and capitalised. The Figure should use font consistent with the text in your work, that is, Times New Roman size 12. A note directly below the Figure is used to clarify content for reader. Similar to tables, you need to refer to the figure in text BEFORE it appears on the page, e.g. "As see in Figure 2". Avoid the use of colour except in rare cases where the figure will be enhanced (more so at thesis level). Use shadings to distinguish bars or other elements. Do not split a figure and/or its title over two pages. If two figures are going to be compared ensure that they have the same unit increments and starting point on the axes. Figures 1 and 2 provide examples of how to present a figure in APA style. If you would like further information about creating figures, follow the guidelines in The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th Edition). You can find this book in the GU library.
For examples of figures and step-by-step video instructions detailing how to create and format a figure see below.
View the video below to see how to create and format a Figure in SPSS.
View the video below to see how to create and format a Figure using Microsoft Excel.