What is a Research Appendix? | Purposes & Formats

Research is a comprehensive and time-consuming process. Researchers undertake various steps in order to achieve their research objectives. Data collected during the research process is usually not all used in the research paper. Only the analysed data and its findings are added to the paper. The remaining data is left to nowhere. This is when the appendix comes into the scene.

Adding all the supplementing data in the main paper significantly clutters the whole paper. It also makes it difficult for the readers to read the paper efficiently. Extra data and materials are added in the appendices section to manage the size of the research paper efficiently. This not only helps to maintain the word count but also helps readers to understand the research study through supporting data.

This blog comprehensively discusses what a research appendix is, its purposes, the key elements to be added, the format, the sample, the essential steps to write an appendix, and the process of referring to it.

What is an Appendix in a Research Paper?

The word Appendix comes from the Append, which means “to attach or add.” As you know, humans also have an organ named Appendix. It is considered useless, but humans can’t outlive it because it can have a particular function in their bodies. A research paper appendix is also similar, which can’t be an essential part of the paper but certainly has a good role.

Appendix Definition in Research

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an Appendix is defined as a section including the supplementary data and information attached at the end of a research paper. The supplementary data could be explanatory, statistical, graphical, or bibliographical. It is optional for readers as they can refer to it or not as per their requirements.

The appendix might not be essential to our research paper, but it can provide readers with sufficient additional information to help them understand the contents efficiently. This may not include the relevant data and information, but the irrelevant and additional data was too heavy to add to the original paper.

Research Paper Appendix Example

Here is an example of a research paper appendix:

How to Write an Appendix for a Research Paper?

Here are the essential steps to write a research appendix efficiently:

Step 1: Write the Title and Gather Data

The first step to writing an appendix of a research paper is to write its title and gather data to be added. The title numbers of appendices can vary numerically. Gather the data that was left or thought to be extra during research. Make a list of data to keep it sorted efficiently.

Step 2: Elaborate Raw Data and Findings

As you know, research papers include analysed and processed data and information. Meanwhile, the raw data from which the findings are derived is left nowhere. Carefully add all the raw data to the appendix. It significantly helps readers understand how a result has been concluded and why.

Step 3: Add Visual Supporting Data

Add all the visual supporting data when the raw data and findings have been successfully added. The visual data might include graphs, tables, images, charts, and drawings. As these things can occupy a lot of space in the main paper, they should be added in the appendix to support the research’s conclusions.

Step 4: Explain the Research Instruments

The next step is to explain all the research instruments used during the process. The research instruments might include recorders, cameras, questionnaires, interviews, and surveys, which significantly help the researchers collect particular research data and information. This helps readers understand the instruments and techniques to undertake the research themselves.

Step 5: Include All Additional Information

You should also include all the additional information that can increase the word count of the main research papers. Specifically, the data collected using research instruments, such as recordings, videos, images, and transcripts, should also be added to the appendix section. This will help the readers understand how research tools can be used efficiently.

Appendix Format in Research Paper

Adding an appendix to a research paper is not just writing additional information however you can; it is done by following some formatting tips and techniques. By following these essential tips, you can efficiently cite your appendix in the main text.

General Appendix Formatting Rules

Here are the general rules that can be considered while appendix formatting in a research paper:

• Start every appendix on a new page of the research paper.
• Before starting the appendix, label the first page as Appendix.
• If you’re considering adding two or more appendices, set a title and number of each of them. For example, Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc,.
• It is essential to set the order of appendices as they are cited in the main research paper.
• The appendix section should have separate page numbers separately from the main paper.

Thoroughly follow these rules to format your appendices efficiently. The formatting of appendices is usually done in three different ways: APA, MLA, and Chicago.

Appendix Format in APA

This is the appendix format in APA:

• The appendix starts with the heading Appendix, after which A, B, and C follow.
• The title comes under the heading in the center.
• The order of appendices is the same as the order of data in the main paper.
• Appendices in APA have footnotes.
• Appendices come after the references.

Appendix Format in MLA

This is the appendix format in MLA:

• The appendix follows the order of the information cited in the paper.
• Every appendix starts from a new page.
• Each page is numbered efficiently.
• Appendices come after the main body and before references.
• The titles of data sources, such as recordings, books, and pictures, are in italics.

Appendix Format in Chicago

This is the appendix format in Chicago:

• The title “Appendices” is used when there are more than one appendix.
• The front page of the appendix doesn’t have a page number.
• The appendices section comes before the bibliography.
• The content font and size used are Times New Roman and 12.
• Every page is numbered in the top right corner in numerical order.

Research Paper Appendix Sample

Here is the sample of a research paper appendix:

By understanding this sample properly, you can write an appendix of your research paper efficiently.

How to Refer to an Appendix in a Research Paper?

Writing and formatting the appendix section is undoubtedly essential, but something more important than this is referring to the appendix in the research paper. You must refer to your appendices at least once in the main research paper. This can be effortlessly done by mentioning the number of appendices within the text in the sentences or the parentheses.

Referring to the whole appendix

If you want to refer to the whole appendix in the research paper, check the example:

Referring to a single component of the appendix

If you’re referring to a single component of the appendix, brose the example:

Frequently Asked Questions