2 Chapter 2: Headers

No, not the fun ones that come off the exhaust valves of an engine, but the ones that structure your paper in an orderly fashion. This chapter is all about the headers that can be found (and should be used) in an APA paper.

Level 1 Header (Centered, Bold, Title Case-Heading)

Do you notice how a level one header is centered on the page and in bold? That is because it is used to introduce a chapter or manuscript. They are not used often, but they are used when writing a document that has significant length (e.g., a book or journal article). Think of these as top-level headers or main sections of the paper.

Level 2 Header (Flush Left, Bold, Title Case Heading)

Level 2 headers are some of the most used in APA writing. Level 2 headings are used as subheadings and should logically compliment the level 1 heading. Notice how the text begins as a new paragraph.

Level 3 Header (Flush Left, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading)

The Level 3 heading is used when there is a subsection that needs written about within a level two header. Notice how the text begins a new paragraph. Here is an example of how the three levels mentioned so far might be broken down so they fit logically into an APA paper:

Example Structure:

• Level 1: Methods (this would be centered)
  • Level 2: Participants
    • Level 3: Recruitment Process
    • Level 3: Inclusion Criteria
  • Level 2: Procedure

Use a Level 3 heading when you need to divide content under a Level 2 heading into more specific subtopics.

Level 4 Header (Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period). Now the text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph.

Level 5 headers (Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period). The text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph.

Level 4 & 5 Headers

Level 4 and Level 5 headings in APA format are used for even more specific subsections within a section of your paper. These headings come into play when the content needs further subdivision beyond the Level 3 headings.

When to Use Level 4 and Level 5 Headings:

• Level 4 Heading: Use a Level 4 heading when a subsection under a Level 3 heading needs to be further divided into more specific subtopics.
• Level 5 Heading: Use a Level 5 heading when the subsection under a Level 4 heading needs additional division into even smaller subtopics.

Example Structure:

1. Level 1: Methods (this would be centered on the paper)
   • Level 2: Participants
     • Level 3: Recruitment Process
       • Level 4: Online Recruitment
       • Level 4: In-Person Recruitment
         • Level 5: University Campus
         • Level 5: Community Centers
     • Level 3: Inclusion Criteria

Formatting:

• Level 4: Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period. The text begins on the same line as the heading.
• Level 5: Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period. The text begins on the same line as the heading.

Practical Use:

Level 4 and Level 5 headings are generally used in longer papers or those with complex structures, such as theses, dissertations, or comprehensive research reports. In shorter papers, you might not need to go beyond Level 2 or Level 3 headings.