General APA Guidelines
Italics for Symbols
Use italics for statistical symbols like t, p, M, SD, r, F.
Decimals
Round numbers to two decimal places (e.g., 2.45) unless precision requires more.
Leading Zeros
No zero before the decimal for numbers that cannot exceed 1 (e.g., p = .04, r = .89).
Exact p-values
Report exact p-values (p = .023), unless p < .001.
Confidence Intervals
Include Confidence Intervals (CIs) wherever available, especially in advanced reporting.
Templates & Patterns
How to Report Specific Tests
Descriptive Statistics
BasicsFormat Example
The mean score for student engagement was M = 4.21, SD = 0.78.
Key Tips
- Report both Mean (M) and Standard Deviation (SD).
- Mention sample size (N) at the start of the section.
Reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha)
SurveyFormat Example
The Academic Support construct (5 items) showed high reliability (α = .91).
Key Tips
- Use the Greek letter alpha (α).
- Mention number of items if relevant.
t-Test Results
ComparisonIndependent Samples
There was a significant difference in motivation scores, t(58) = 2.34, p = .023, d = 0.61.
Paired Samples
Students scored significantly higher after the intervention, t(29) = 3.45, p = .002, d = 0.79.
Remember: Include degrees of freedom in parentheses t(df). Report Cohen’s d for effect size. Use p < .001 if the value is extremely small.
Factor Analysis (EFA/CFA)
Advanced
EFA Example
Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant, χ²(120) = 802.35, p < .001.
CFA Example
CFA indicated good model fit, χ²(124) = 201.43, p < .001; CFI = .96; TLI = .95; RMSEA = .045.
Correlations
There was a moderate positive correlation, r(78) = .52, p < .001.
Mention strength (weak/moderate/strong). Avoid implying causation.
Reporting Together
"The three subscales showed good internal consistency. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate scores (Ms = 4.01–4.35). An independent samples t-test revealed a significant group difference, t(78) = 2.58, p = .012."
Common Mistakes Quiz
Hover (or tap) the red cards to reveal the correction.
p = 0.000
p < .001
Never equal to zero
SD = 1.25
SD = 1.25
Italicize symbols
t-test = 3.5
t(48) = 3.50
Include degrees of freedom
alpha = .75
α = .75
Use Greek symbol
M=4.2, SD=.8
M = 4.20
SD = 0.80
Spaces & 2 decimals
Summary Checklist
| Element | APA Format Example |
|---|---|
| Mean and SD | M = 3.52, SD = 0.67 |
| Cronbach’s Alpha | α = .87 |
| t-Test | t(48) = 2.91, p = .005, d = 0.63 |
| EFA (KMO/Bartlett) | KMO = .83; Bartlett’s χ²(120) = 900.12, p < .001 |
| CFA (Model Fit) | χ²(124) = 198.77, p < .001; CFI = .95; RMSEA = .045 |
| Pearson’s Correlation | r(60) = .42, p = .007 |