Levels of Heading
The APA Style (APA, 2020) uses headings to identify the content in sections of a paper or a report. Headings should be succinct and informative and should not replace the flow of ideas.
There are 5 levels of headings in APA Style. The picture below shows you an example on how each level should be formatted. Note that the number of headings that you use in a paper or report will depend on the complexity and length of the document. However, for psychological reports usually you use Levels 1, 2 and 3 and level 4 and 5 only if they are needed. In short essays (e.g., 1,500 words), only one level is usually needed.
Use this psychology report template developed by Dr Richard Tindle to get you started.Or if you are writing an essay use this template!
Formatting levels of heading, APA 7th edition.
How to use headings in Word
Fortunately, you can create styles in Microsoft Word to make the levels of headings and their formatting automatic.
There are various ways of doing this. Watch the video or follow the instructions below.
Option 1:
Simply type your title and format according to the level of heading needed (See picture above)
Option 2:
Create your own styles. In Microsoft Word go to the Styles option (note that in newer versions of Word you can right click the text and select 'Styles'). Select 'Create a Style'. Give your Style a name (ensure that it matches to the APA Style Levels of Heading above) and format it accordingly. Check the gallery box to ensure settings are correct.
Option 3:
Modify an existing style. On the Home tab click on the style you want to modify and click 'Modify'. Change the settings to match the Level of Heading and click ok.