How to type headings in APA? Can I use upper case for main headings and lower case for sub headings?
Answer
There are 5 different types of headings to choose from when writing in APA Style. Below you will find a description of the headings, and they are written as how they would appear in an APA paper. They are as follows:
Level One
This heading is centered, bold, and all major words are capitalized. The first sentence of this section will begin 1 line below the heading.
Level Two
This heading is flush left with the margin, all major words are capitalized, and is bold. The first sentence of this section will begin 1 line below the heading.
Level three. This heading is indented the same amount as you would for a paragraph (0.5 inches). It is also bold, only the first word is capitalized and all other words are small. Treat it as you would a sentence. The heading ends with a period. The first sentence of this section will begin on the same line as the heading. It begins 2 spaces after the heading.
Level four. This heading is indented the same amount as you would for a paragraph (0.5 inches). It is also bold and italicized. Only the first word is capitalized and all other words are small. Treat it as you would a sentence. The heading ends with a period. The first sentence of this section will begin on the same line as the heading, and it begins 2 spaces after the heading.
Level five. This heading is indented the same amount as you would for a paragraph (0.5 inches). It is NOT bold, but it is italicized. Only the first word is capitalized and all other words are small. Treat it as you would a sentence. The heading ends with a period. The first sentence of this section will begin on the same line as the heading, and it begins 2 spaces after the heading.
Always begin with a level 1 heading for each new broad section. Then move down the list as you get more specific with the topics and subtopics that you discuss in your paper. The number of headings you will use will depend on your paper. Most course papers will use up to 3 headings, but the others are available if you need them. Be sure to use a specific level of heading if you have at least 2 sections using the same level.
Finally, think of headings as the skeleton of your paper. The reader should be able to look over your headings and get a rough idea about your paper and what you will discuss in each section. Most students find it helpful to create an outline and then use the content from the outline as headings.
You can find more information about heading in the APA Manaul, 6th ed. in Sects. 3.02 and 3.03 on pp. 62 and 63.