How to Format Research Paper Headings and Subheadings

Many early career researchers struggle to organize and structure their study content as they begin writing manuscripts and articles. One way to make things easier is to use headings and subheadings. Research paper headings and subheadings serve as navigational tools for readers, allowing them to skim through the content quickly.  

That is why it is always a good idea to work out how you want to organize your content and create different sections with headings and subheadings. However, while doing so, it is essential to keep in mind naming conventions and ensure that you follow the style guide and submission rules laid down by the journal in which you are aiming to publish. If not, you could end up having to make significant changes later, or even worse, have your manuscript rejected.  

What are Research Paper Headings and Subheadings?

An easy way to explain the concept would be to liken research paper headings to the main chapters of a book, while subheadings are the subsections within each chapter. They provide clarity and organization, and add to the readability and comprehension of your paper. (1)(2)  They are used in research papers to categorize content and provide a hierarchical framework that helps readers to grasp the flow of ideas quickly.  

As an example, if your research work involved a study on how climate change impacts biodiversity, the key research paper headings used could include the ‘Introduction,’ where you introduce your topic and explain its importance, a ‘summary’ of what your research has thrown up, and also a ‘literature review’ which would include what other researchers have already discovered about climate change and biodiversity.’ The ‘methodology’ section would also be important, as it would explain how you conducted your own research. Finally, the ‘conclusion’ would summarize your findings and discuss their impact and broader implications. Each of these main headings may need subheadings to help section the content and make it easier for readers to follow. 

Which Formatting Style to Use for Research Paper Headings and Subheadings?

Almost all leading academic journals strictly follow specific formatting styles that include guidelines on margins, font sizes, and, importantly, the structure of headings and subheadings. The most commonly followed style guides are the APA and the MLA styles. Let us take a quick look at how research paper headings and subheadings are treated under each of these styles. 

If you are submitting your manuscript to a journal that adheres to APA style, you will need to understand and use the APA research paper header. This format dictates that you can use up to five levels of headings. These will depend on specific factors like the length of your paper, the complexities of your research, and, of course, your own preferences.  

So, headings and subheadings used in the APA style may look something like this:(3) 

• Level 1 Heading:

Center-aligned, bold, and using title case heading  

The text begins as a new paragraph. 

• Level 2 Heading:

Left-aligned, bold, and in title case 

The text begins as a new paragraph. 

• Level 3 Heading:

Left-aligned, bold, and in italics in title case  

The text begins as a new paragraph. 

• Level 4 Heading:

Indented, bold, title case, and end with a period. The text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph. 

• Level 5 Heading:

Indented, bold, and in italics using title case, ending with a period. The text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph. 

On the other hand, if you are required to follow the MLA style, you have more flexibility when it comes to formatting research paper headings and subheadings. Instead of adhering to strict rules, you are expected to maintain consistency with the general formatting guidelines of both styles. (4) 

Here are some examples of headings that are used in the MLA style: 

1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Research Design
4. Data Collection Methods
5. Data Analysis Techniques
6. Discussion
7. Conclusion

Dos & Don’ts of Formatting Research Paper Headings and Subheadings

When formatting headings and subheadings, there are several dos and don’ts to keep in mind:(5)(6) 

Do’s 

1. Be consistent in following style guides: This is essential to maintain a professional appearance.
2. Be clear and concise: Keep headings and subheadings brief and descriptive for better clarity.
3. Maintain hierarchy: Each level should signify a different level of importance or division of content.
4. Use parallel structures: Use the same font, style, and capitalization for each level.
5. Proofread carefully: Mistakes can detract from the professionalism of your paper.

Don’ts: 

1. Overcomplicate: Stick to a maximum of four or five levels to prevent confusion.
2. Mix styles: Mixing styles can create confusion and make the paper appear sloppy.
3. Use all caps: While it may seem like a way to emphasize text, capital letters can be harder to read and are generally not recommended.
4. Create ambiguity: Vague headings can leave readers unsure of what to expect in each section.
5. Forgot to update: If you make changes to your paper’s structure during the writing process, remember to update your headings and subheadings accordingly.

Following these basic guidelines can help you effectively format your research paper headings and subheadings. Remember, while they may seem like minor details, properly formatted headings and subheadings can significantly impact the professionalism and readability of your work. 

References: 

1. Headings & Structure – Stanford University
2. 13.1 Formatting a Research Paper – Writing for Success – University of Minnesota
3. Headings – American Psychological Association
4. How do I style headings and subheadings in a research paper? – Modern Language Association of America
5. How to Write an APA Research Paper – Hamilton College
6. Headings and subheadings – it helps to be specific – Patt Thomson

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