Using headings properly is all about getting the levels right. There are a number of levels of headings recommended by the APA. In most psychological reports, you will probably only use a few of these, and the same will be true of essays.

There are five levels for headings, numbered 1 to 5. Level 1 is the highest level and should always be used. You will use other levels depending on whether you need them or not. The five levels are listed below.

Level 1:

Centred, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading

Text begins as new paragraph.

Level 2:

Flush Left, Bold, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading
Text begins as new paragraph.

Level 3:

Flush Left, Bold, Italic, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading
Text begins as new paragraph.

Level 4:

        Indented, Bold, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading Ending With a Period. Text begins on same line.

Level 5:

               Indented, Bold Italic, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading Ending With a Period. Text begins on same line.

How do you pick which levels to use? Always start with Level 1. If you need more than one level, use Level 1 and 2. If you need three levels, use Levels 1, 2, and 3. If you need four levels, use Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4. And so on if you need five levels. When writing research reports, you will generally need three levels. As such you will generally use Levels 1, 2 and 3 for your headings.