research paper appendix sample in project report

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Research Paper Appendix: Format and Examples

An appendix in a research paper contains additional or supplementary information that may aid the reader’s understanding of the subject but is not essential for everyone. It is typically placed at the end of the document. A research paper appendix may contain different types of material, such as text, tables, figures, diagrams and illustrations, maps, raw data, questionnaires used in the study, etc. An appendix in a research paper may also contain information that is too data heavy to include in the main text.

Separate appendices are typically used for each topic being described, with each appendix having a descriptive title. The main manuscript should be able to stand alone without the research paper appendix and should not depend on it for basic understanding. If the appendix were removed from the paper, it shouldn’t hinder the readers’ understanding of the study. Appendices should always be referred to or cited in the text so that the readers could refer to it if they need additional information.

The following sections will describe in detail the basic structure and importance of an appendix in a research paper and list the types of content that could be included to help you create comprehensive appendices to supplement your research paper.

Table of Contents

What is an appendix in a research paper ?

A research paper¹ has detailed information about a study, such as the methods and results, and any information that is additional, but nonessential is usually included in the appendix section at the end of the paper. Including appendices is optional because it has supplementary information that readers may or may not refer to.

A research paper appendix should be included for the following reasons:

Including this information in the main text may interrupt the narrative flow of the paper.
The information is too lengthy or detailed to be included in the main paper.
Adding the information would significantly increase the word limit.
Provides data that can be understood better if presented in a self-contained or independent format
Offers the opportunity to present additional information about your study, including design methods, cohort details, etc.

Importance of an appendix in a research paper

The main aim of including an appendix in a research paper is to provide additional material to support the paper although it may not be directly relevant to the understanding of the study. This additional material provides more clarity to readers and is an optional read, so readers can choose whether or not they would want to refer to it. Appendices can also help you in demonstrating your thoroughness and credibility as a researcher by sharing your evidence, data, and methods that support your findings. An appendix in a research paper also gives you an opportunity to be creative and flexible in presenting additional information through different formats, such as videos, audio clips, etc., to illustrate your text.²

Thus, the functions of an appendix in a research paper can be summarized as follows:

Provide additional information
Organize and present complex data
Maintain readability of the main paper
Provide an expanded context for readers to verify and extend research

research paper appendix sample in project report

General points to consider while adding a research paper appendix

Here are a few points to consider while adding an appendix in a research paper .¹,³

Finalize the content type : Identify the type of content you want to add, separate the appendices based on data, don’t combine them. Do not include vague or irrelevant information.
Organize and label : Appendices should have a logical structure and numbering. Use letters or numbers to label multiple appendices. List appendices in the order in which they are cited in the main text.
Format : Ensure consistent formatting across all appendices—same font size, typeface, clear titles, and captions.
Place in a sequence : Ensure that the appendix is placed at the end of the document. Always cite every appendix in the research paper .

What to include in the appendix

Here are the types of content that could be included in an appendix in a research paper .¹

Detailed textual descriptions
Raw data—This information is usually very detailed, and the main paper may need only the analysis of the main data. In such cases, including this basic raw data in the research paper appendix would help readers to recheck and validate your findings, providing credibility to your research. The data could be in the form of spreadsheets.
Tables and figures—These supplemental tables and figures should follow a numbering independent of the numbering in the main paper because they are stand alone.
Maps, photographs, diagrams—Include these if you feel that they would aid readers’ understanding.
Audio or video clips
Correspondence—collaboration in the form of memos, letters, email copies
Interview transcripts—Full transcripts for clear understanding, interview questions
Questionnaires or surveys—survey instruments, questions
Research instruments—devices used to gather information, like cameras and recorders
Sample calculations—research formulae, descriptions of how calculations were used to determine relationships and significance
Additional documents—permission forms, consent forms, ethical approval documentation

How to format an appendix

Here are a few general rules on how to format an appendix in a research paper . 1 In addition, specific style guides may be referred to if required.

Each appendix in a research paper should begin on a new page.
Label the first page Appendix at the top of the page.
In case of two or more appendices, give each appendix a number or letter and a descriptive title. For example, Appendix A. XXX.
The appendices should be ordered in the same order in which they are cited in the text.
Appendices should be paginated separately from the main text, preferably with lower case Roman numerals.

Appendices are usually formatted using three guides—APA, Chicago, and MLA, as described below.³

How to refer to an appendix

To refer to an entire appendix in a research paper , simply signpost it as follows:

The results show the association between the variables X and Y (see Appendix 1)…

If referring to a part of the research paper appendix , the specific component can also be mentioned.

This association between the variables (see Appendix A, Figure 2)…

Where to place appendices

An appendix in a research paper is usually placed at the end of your manuscript, after the reference section. Another format is to include all appendices as a separate document to be submitted along with your manuscript.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick summary of all the points described in detail in the previous sections.

An appendix in a research paper contains additional information to supplement and support your main research paper.
This information is an optional, nonessential read, and readers may choose to refer to it only if they are interested in further details on that topic.
Research paper appendix content could include detailed text, tables, figures, maps, illustrations, raw data, calculations, audio-video clips, etc.
Appendices are typically placed at the end of the manuscript after all other sections, such as references. However, the specific format may differ based on style guides.
An appendix in a research paper should be clearly labelled and titled and should be listed in the order in which they are cited in the text. Every appendix should mandatorily be cited in the text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why is an appendix placed at the end and not within the main body of a research paper?

A1. An appendix in a research paper contains additional information that may not be useful for all the readers. In addition, some guidelines may have restrictions about the word count. In such cases, including appendices at the end of the paper saves space and is useful for readers who are interested in it. Appendices are also included in PowerPoint presentations, but authors have the option of hiding that information and presenting it only if necessary.

Q2. How should I format a research paper appendix in APA 7th Edition?

A2. The following formatting guidelines should be followed to format an appendix in APA 7 th edition: 4

The appendix should be created on its own individual page titled “Appendix.”
The page title should be followed by a title that describes the subject of the appendix.
The headings should be center aligned at the top of the page, boldfaced, and written in title case.
In case of multiple appendices, each should be titled “Appendix A” or “Appendix 1” depending on the guidelines.
All appendices should be referenced in the text accordingly, for example, “see Appendix A” or “see the Appendix.”
Appendices should always be included as the last section of the research paper, after references, tables, and figures.
should be formatted in paragraph style
may include text, figures, tables, equations, or footnotes
should have all illustrative components labelled with the letter of the corresponding appendix, followed by a number to indicate the order within the appendix. For example, “Table C2” would be the second table in Appendix C.

If the appendix in a research paper has only one component like a figure or table, then that component should be labelled as the appendix rather than figure or table. For example, if Appendix A includes only a table, then the table would be titled as “Appendix A” rather than “Table A1.” Here’s a sample appendix to illustrate the points mentioned above.

Q3. How should I format a research paper appendix in MLA style, 9 th edition?

A3. The following guidelines should be followed for formatting appendices according to MLA style: 5

The appendix appears before the Works Cited list (or References).
For more than one appendix, label them as Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on.
The appendices should be ordered in the order the information appears in your research paper.
Each appendix should begin on a new page.

Q4. Can I include images or tables in a research paper appendix ?

A4. Yes, appendices are appropriate for including all supplementary information that could add to the understanding of your research data. This additional information can be in any format—text, figures, illustrations, maps, calculations, diagrams, tables, graphs, etc.

Q5. Do I need to include appendices in the table of contents?

A5. While several guidelines prefer including appendices in the table of contents, other guidelines prefer a separate list of appendices in case of more than one and mentioning only “appendices” in the table of contents.

Q6. What if the appendix in a research paper contains copyrighted material? 6,7

A6. If the appendix in a research paper includes reproductions of copyrighted material, you should, in some cases, obtain written authorization from the copyright holder. Using material in your paper more than that defined by the “fair use” principle, which allows for limited use of a work without first obtaining the copyright holder’s permission, may amount to copyright infringement.

Different levels of permission can be required:

No permission required : When explicit licensing for use for any purpose is granted by the holder; only a limited portion is used; includes information developed by governments and is in the public domain.
Non-commercial or educational use : The copyright holder has licensed the instrument for only educational or non-commercial use. Any other use requires permission.
Permission required : This may be needed if the copyright holder has some restrictions for the use, for example, they have specific directions for use, correct version may be needed, etc. In such cases, you will need to contact the copyright holder directly.

Q7. What is the difference between an appendix and a footnote or endnote?

A7. The following table lists some differences between appendices and footnotes or endnotes. 3

To summarize, an appendix in a research paper is an important component if you need to provide readers with supplementary information that may help them in understanding certain aspects of your study in more detail. Being an optional part of a research paper, it gives you the benefit of providing more details while adhering to constraints of space and words counts. We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of a research paper appendix and has given you an insight into the types of content that can be included in it.

References

Organizing your social science research paper. USC libraries research guides. Accessed August 14, 2024. https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/appendices
How to write an appendix: Explained with ease. EssayHub website. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://essayhub.com/blog/how-to-write-an-appendix-explained-with-ease
Caleb S. Extensive guide on appendix writing for graduating students. CollegeEssay website. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://collegeessay.org/blog/general/appendix-writing
Footnotes and appendices. Purdue University online writing lab. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/footnotes_appendices.html

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How to Structure an Appendix Section for Reports (With Examples)

Introduction.

Most students will ask, “What is an appendix?”

“How do I write my own appendix?”

Well, an appendix will allow a better understanding of the information that has been written in an essay or academic paper.

An appendix will give a summary of the references added in an academic paper. Appendices are found in all essays or academic papers.

It will include the reference section, the paper’s summary of raw data, and any other details about the method used in doing the task.

The appendix will contain all the information included in the body of the paper. In addition, the statistics and references from different sources and authors are shown in the appendix.

An appendix is seen as a supplementary to the research paper. It contains non-essential information. The paper should stand alone without the appendix. Also, appendix pages don’t count as part of the research paper. It is essential not to confuse the appendix with the abstract , which contains very essential information and comes after the title page.

The critical point to keep in mind about an appendix is that it is not essential. The reader can still understand the information on the paper if it were to be removed.

If removed, it will not diminish the reader’s ability.

Why is an Appendix Necessary?

An appendix is necessary because it explains what a paper contains. In addition, it explains the complex information.

It presents information that adds to the reader’s understanding. Some of the information you might include in the appendix:

Transcripts to interviews you conducted (which can be quoted from the main text).
The documents you used in your research, such as instructions, questionnaires, scales, or tests.
Details of the statistical data are represented in figures and tables.
Details of the equipment used.

When discussing information found in the appendix, make sure you state it the first time you refer to it.

Also, note that there is no need to mention the appendix if you need to mention the interviews again each time.

How to Structure the Appendix

Though the structure may vary slightly from person to person, there is a general structure that the appendix should follow.

The MLA and APA appendix forms are a bit different, but the structure is the same.

Each appendix contains the following:

The crossover of body text and appendix
References for the main body paragraphs
Put page numbers for multiple appendices
Label + Title (Should be at the center of the title page, with fonts capitalized). The title will be followed strictly by the label.
In referencing an appendix, put (#) after a sentence
Appendix letter or number
Cite as normal references from third-party sources in the body text and appendix. You are advised not to create another separate reference list. (You may need to see our other guides on citing sources such as websites , books , and the bible to ensure you do it correctly).
Add a reference number to the body in the case where the appendix contains data
Paragraphs 2 and 3 are the following body texts
The first paragraph is not indented

Appendix Format

It is crucial to understand what an appendix format looks like. The normal format will help when you want to write your dissertation.

Heading (Appendix#). It entails having a letter or a number. The first appendix title can be A or 1.
The list of references of body paragraphs.
Index table. It follows the list of appendices.
The page number.
The footnotes.

An Appendix for the Various Writing Styles

Apa appendix.

Many instructors will have their students include an appendix as part of their APA paper. Unfortunately, the APA Manual doesn’t cover the required appendices format. For the structure and information to be correct, follow the guidelines given below in APA style:

The appendices need to begin with the header ‘Appendix’ and then by the heading Appendix A, Appendix B, and Appendix C. If you have additional appendices, you can use Appendix AA, Appendix BB, and Appendix CC. If there exists only one appendix, indicate it as just ‘Appendix.’
It should be written atop the title of the appendix.
Include abstracts.
Each appendix section should follow the order in the paper you are writing.
The appendix section should be on a separate page.
You should include footnotes.

Some of the elements of APA appendices are:

Statistics, figures, and graphs.
Sample calculations like profit and loss accounts.
Research instruments used like scales and questionnaires.
Raw data as supporting evidence.
Raw data such as responses to questionnaires.
Press clippings for support of the author’s point of view.
Lengthy information like interviews
Legal documents like contracts, memorandum of understanding, and shareholder certificates.
Interview transcripts.
A detailed description of illustrations, maps, and images for visual evidence.
Financial projections can be in the form of spreadsheets or other documents.
Field observation information.
Datasheets.
Correspondences such as emails and letters.
Specialized data or contributory facts that the college students or writer will capture in the appendix section summarize it in the main text.
Charts and tables are helpful if the writer would like to provide actual statistics.

Rules to Follow in APA

Have a title for every appendix section.
In making references in the body paragraphs, add (see appendix B) following a text.
All appendices need to show each a point of their own.
For more than one appendix, use the alphabetical order ABC in labelling them.
You should keep the title at the center.
All the appendices should be on their own page, no matter the size.
You should write the first paragraph without indenting it.
You should have double spacing.

Remember to keep everything original to avoid plagiarism, via means such as paraphrasing !

Chicago Style Appendix

Writing a Chicago-style appendix is similar to that of the APA style. The appendix section should follow the guideline below:

You describe more than one appendix in the appendices.
Use the New Roman font.
The font size has to be 12.
Show the numbers on the top right of every page.
Show the bibliography on the last page.
Indicate the page numbers as 1, 2, and 3.
Include the footnotes in the bibliography.
Do not indicate on the cover page a page number.

Footnotes or endnotes are used to cite your sources. You will only need to use footnotes when you have copyright permission or explanatory notes.

The content notes have information that supplements the text but would not be appropriate if included in the main text.

MLA Format Appendix

The rules and guidelines are similar to those in the APA appendix. There only exist very few differences:

The appendix section is indicated before the reference list.
Each separate appendix will be Appendix A, Appendix B, and Appendix C to indicate their titles. It is advisable, if you have a complex appendix, to break it down into separate appendices.
Every appendix should follow the order of the information stated.
Include page numbers in each of the appendices.
All the appendices should be on their own page, size notwithstanding.

Rules to Follow in MLA Format

The title should be at the center.
There should be double spacing.
Ensure a hanging indent in your formatting of the references.
Write the reference section alphabetically.
Use italics in complete writings, titles, books, recordings, and internet sites.

You can check our guide on citing websites in MLA to learn more about the MLA style.

Harvard Style Appendix

In this case, the appendix will be before the reference list and at the very end of the paper or report. You should cite all the information included in the appendices in the essay’s body as Appendix.

If the information included in the appendix is from a published source, you will need to add a citation in the appendix pages. A full citation will consequently appear in the list of references.

The citation in full will be placed in the list of references in a systematic order by the author with the rest of the references from your paper.

Begin writing an appendix by indicating the title.
Ensure each distinct item in the appendix will follow the same order as the text.
Create a descriptive title or label for each of the items in the appendix.
Ensure the title and label are centred. Change the title to bold font, i.e., Appendix A
If the content you are using is from a published source, indicate it as the word ‘Source,’ followed by a citation. You will then place it at the bottom left of the appendix. The reference list will show a complete reference.

Writing an Appendix

When writing an appendix, start by collecting information. You are also required to format the appendix appropriately.

Consequently, you should ensure the appendix is polished to be helpful, engaging, and accessible to the reader.

Collect Data for the Appendix

Add raw statistical data – When writing an appendix, you should add the raw data you are confident is relevant to the paper or essay. The data should be relevant in supporting your findings. You should only include the raw data if you will refer to or discuss it in the paper.
Raw data could have sample calculations referred to in the body of the paper. You should add it to the appendix.
Choose to add the contributory facts gathered from different sources. It will support the findings. Ensure that you have cited appropriately information you get from other sources.
Add supporting charts, graphs, and images – When writing an appendix, include visuals such as charts, maps, graphs, photographs, drawings, and images.

You can include charts or graphs you have created, or those gathered from a different source. Ensure you site the visuals you do not own in the appendix.

Make a note of the research instruments used in the appendix – State the research instruments used to gather information. It could be a tape recorder, video camera, or any other device used in research. It helps the reader understand the instruments used in conducting the research. You can state that “All the surveys and interviews were carried out in a private setting in person and recorded using a video camera.”
Include the interview surveys or transcripts – Add any surveys or interview transcripts for the research. The transcripts need to capture the whole interview. They should include even the Q and A sessions. Include also copies of surveys written by hand or the copies completed online.

You should also add the correspondences on various subjects in your paper like letters, notes, or email correspondences written from and involved in the research.

Format the Appendix

Add a title to the appendix – It should be indicated clearly on top of the page. Capital letters, ‘APPENDIX’ should be used. Alternatively, use ‘Appendix.’ Use a similar font size and type to the one used in the chapter headers for your essay or paper.
In case you have several appendices, order them by number or letter and do it consistently. If you are using numbers, let it be, Appendix 1, Appendix 2, and Appendix 3. If you are using letters, it should be Appendix A, Appendix B, or Appendix C.
Each appendix begins on a new page if you have different appendices. It will help the reader not get lost as they look for the appendix.
Make an order of the content – The content in the appendix should appear the same way it appears in the text.
E.g., if raw data has been placed on one of your essays, ensure the raw data appears in line one in your appendix. If interview questions are mentioned last in your paper, they should be last in the appendix.
Ensure the appendix appears after your list of references – Appendices appear after your list of references. If the instructor wishes to have it any other way, you should follow the stated requirements.

Also, ensure that you show the appendix on your paper’s table of contents.

Insert page numbers – At the bottom right corner of the page, you should insert the appendix page numbers. It can also be centred. Use a numbering format that is consistent in the entire paper.

If the page numbering of the paper ends at 18, continue numbering from 18 when you insert the appendix.

Polish the Appendix

Ensure you review the appendix to confirm cohesion and clarity – The word count or standard page is not certain for the appendix. It should also not be extremely long either. Go through your appendices and confirm you have included relevancy to the paper. You may choose to have another person go through the appendix to ensure that you have captured all the relevant information.
Check for grammatical errors – Review the appendix and ensure it is free from any form of grammatical error. Use the different types of software available for grammar checking. Ensure the appendix appears as professional as possible.

Make a reference to the appendix to the paper – Once you have completed your appendices, ensure you site your text in your appendix using the title.

It will indicate to the reader that what is contained in the appendix has relevance to the text. It allows the reader to use an appendix in accessing supplementary information.

Once you follow the laid-out formats and guidelines, it is easy to learn how to make an appendix.

Take your time to study this guide. It will give your insight into how to write your appendix. Writing appendices has never been this easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an appendix?

An appendix is a section in an academic paper or essay that will supplement the understanding of your research by the reader. An appendix may include:

Detailed descriptions of equipment used
Interview transcripts
Questionnaires
How can one add an appendix to the paper?

Add an appendix to a paper by ensuring you indicate the appendix name, such as Appendix A, Appendix B, or Appendix C. Ensure you put the title in the right place depending on the writing style in use.

How can one create an appendix in MS Word?

You will start by creating a section break in the area where you want the appendix to appear. A “continuous break” is what you will use when you want it to appear in a new section. Use “page break” when creating the appendix on a new page. Use the heading styles to create a header in the appendices. It will be easier to go through the document and locate the appendix without taking much of your time.

How does one cite an appendix?

It is dependent on the style of citation in use. In the MLA style, use parenthetical citation. It will name the appendix being cited: (Wittenberg, Appendix B). When using the APA style, add the year of publication (Witterberg, 2018, Appendix B). In Chicago style, you will include the numbers of the pages.

Should you have the appendix content in alphabetical order?

The listing of items in the appendix should follow alphabetical order. When there are numerical items that need to be included, they should follow the order of a number.

Can I include references in the appendix?

If references have been used, yes, you should include the references in the appendix. It will thus allow the reader to authenticate the information sources in the appendix and further research.

Can one input charts, figures, and photographs in the findings or body of the report?

If you are writing a report for a school course, consult your professor for a guideline. Otherwise, the rule is to always include it in the appendix supplementary figures. You can have as many visuals in a single appendix. If the visuals are necessary for the comprehension of a paragraph, then you can add them to the body. The table number and figures included need to be kept in a separate sequence.

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How to Write an Appendix: Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

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While composing your work, you may stumble upon a question on how to write an appendix.

An appendix is a supplemental section of a research paper that provides additional information, data, or materials to support the main content. The appendix is usually placed at the end of the document and is numbered with letters or numbers, such as "Appendix A," "Appendix B," etc. The purpose of an appendix is to provide readers with supplementary details that are not included in the main text but are relevant to the topic.

Once you decide on writing appendices, you should collect additional information and format your text as required. Here, we will talk about how you can work with appendices. We will also show some nuances of their preparation process using a real example. Is the deadline around the corner? Consider using professional research paper help from expert scholars.

What Is an Appendix: Definition

Experienced researchers know what an appendix in a paper is. But aspiring authors often have problems with this section of the work. First of all, you should understand that appendices are an additional section of a dissertation or any other scientific paper that includes additional information. Main points are not placed in an appendix meanwhile at the end of your work it can expand on some context or clarify author’s position on a particular issue. Also, an appendix is often placed after the citation page of a work. It is indicated with the help of references in a main text.

What Is the Purpose of an Appendix

Quite often, authors don’t understand the purpose of an appendix. This usually looks like a table and is not included in a main text. Remember that content of your dissertation should be concise and clear. It is also undesirable if you deviate from your theme so as not to confuse readers. Therefore, you can provide a reference, which will lead a reader to an appendix of a thesis. Typically, the purpose of an appendix is to extra information that is usually not included in the text's body. It expresses author's point of view, and provides additional information. It may not address the immediate topic of your dissertation or expand on current research. As a reminder, your work should be clear even without studying an appendix. So make sure you don't put important details there.

What Can You Include in an Appendix

An appendix in a paper is a supplement to a main text, not a replacement. You can put different elements there. It is better if you separate appendices, highlighting one element in each of them. Don’t forget about separate references in your text. Otherwise it will be difficult for a reader to understand your information better. Thus, the following information can be added:

diagrams with illustrative figures;
abbreviations ;
interviews;
statistics, and much more.

There are no restrictions on content added to your dissertation's appendices. Theoretically, you can attach absolutely any information that is relevant to your topic. Thus, possibilities for evidence base are almost unlimited. All you need to do is add tables or any other information.

How to Write an Appendix: Full Guide

If you already have experience working on dissertations and other scientific texts, you will not wonder how to make an appendix. However, it is still important that you get some advice on how to properly structure an appendices section. This will help add information that may be redundant in the main part of your paper. We offer 4 simple steps to create an informative and readable appendix block.

Step 1. Make an Appendix: Include Your Data

When creating an appendix, include extra data in their raw form. That is, you might not have used some details in your main paper. But you want a reader to know more information. For example, it can be calculations, some results of which are mentioned in your main text. Or maybe, you can add some statistics that clearly demonstrate your research paper conclusion . You can also include facts from other scientific sources that support your position. One thing is important — information should complement your text but not contradict it.

Step 2. Include Visual Supporting Documents in an Appendix

When you are writing an appendix, you can’t avoid visual additions that clearly demonstrate an information and save an author from lengthy descriptions in the text. Should you need to support your conclusions drawn in the scientific text, these can be used:

Don’t forget: you should quote and indicate the authorship of graphics used in your work. If you took it from any third-party sources, of course. Thus, a reader will be able to find additional data that explains the content of your text. It is good if you personally put results of your research in a graphic form. To do this, you can use Office programs, graphic editors and other programs available to PC users.

Step 3. Describe the Instruments of Your Research in Your Appendices

It is good if your appendix in the research paper has a section for indicating tools that were used during the preparation of your dissertation writing . This way, your reader will understand how you collected information and do it themselves. For example, it could be a dictaphone or tape recorder on which an interview with your expert was recorded. Or you might have used a video camera for recording facts and interviews. In such case, it is advisable to indicate these instruments in your appendix. Specialized equipment for measuring, calculating and making graphics should also be added at the beginning of the appendix. This way, you will demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Research units don’t require extra tools, so make sure they are listed. You can do it even in a short format.

Step 4. Include an Interview and Transcripts in an Appendix

When conducting interviews and surveys for collecting information, make an appendix with photocopies of handwritten materials or electronic copies of digital surveys. Their order is not important. The main thing is that your research text contains references. This will allow you to quickly study the sources. You should not only show that the source contains important data but also explain it. So, even additional content, including questions and answers, needs to be listed. But if you originally had a readable format, you don’t need to do this. In addition to interviews, also add screenshots or photos of correspondences used for surveys. For example, you can refer to a significant researcher with whom you exchanged letters. Or maybe you studied subject, together with this researcher, and they gave some comments on a particular issue. Do not know how to write a discussion section of a research paper ? Do not worry, we have the whole article dedicated to this topic.

Formatting an Appendix: Main Rules

Formatting of appendices is required in any case. First of all, provide correct citations. APA, MLA, and Chicago are the most commonly used standards. Although, you should clarify what formatting requirements your institution has. Correct formatting includes:

Appendix title. Write it at the top of the content page, indicate its title, using letters or numbers for ordering.
Sorted by mention. Don’t add appendices randomly, it is better to do it in chronological order. That is, as information from it is given in main text.
Location after bibliography. This is a general requirement that cannot always be met. For example, if your professor wants the appendices to be put before the bibliography, this will have to be done.
Page numbers. All dissertation pages should be numbered, even if they are blank. This will make the appendix block the part of main text.

Also, review your appendix before approval. Make sure that its content is clear, error-free, and correctly quoted.

Appendix Example

To do the job successfully, it is recommended to have an example of an appendix at hand. Without it, there are usually problems with a choice of font and mentions that appear in main text. We will show you what the appendix itself looks like at the end of the dissertation using a short interview as an example.

We have one more blog in case you wonder what is an abstract in a paper or need some examples and writing tips.

How to Make an Appendix: Final Thoughts

Thus, we talked about how to write an appendix. It allows you to include additional details, while avoiding writing them in the body of your text. To do this, one can use graphics, transcriptions of conversations, tables and statistics — anything that complements your research. Be sure to clarify formatting requirements of your university. Arrange appendices in an order in which they appear in your text. Try to use your own materials and not take other people's work. In case of unique findings, they can be used in your work.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Appendix Writing

1. how do you add an appendix to an essay.

The inclusion of appendix to an essay is the same as to any other paper. You need to provide references in your text of an essay itself, as well as submit attachments after a bibliography. Don't forget to specify name of an appendix for easy navigation.

2. Do I add references to the appendix?

Yes, this is not only recommended but must be done. In this case the appendix will allow your reader to check the reliability of sources you used. Moreover, if you took any information from third-party sources, this protect you from plagiarism charges.

4. How do you create an appendix in Word?

It is not difficult to prepare an appendix in Word, because this Office program contains all the necessary tools. To get started, choose the same font, font size and indentation that were used in the main text, so as not to visually break away from it. We also recommend that you apply title formatting with built-in Word tools. Place the appendix titles at the top in the center of a page. In this case it will be much easier to navigate the paper.

3. What is an appendix in a report example?

You can include a wide range of information into an appendix in a report. It is better to opt for descriptive formats, though. For example, it can be graphical or mathematical research results, statistics of a certain phenomenon, and questionnaires filled in by other people.