BOLD Educational Software Using Numbers as Text and Figures

The rules for numbers are not as simple as they might seem at first glance. The GENERAL rule is, use figures to express numbers 10 and above, and use words for one through nine. But there is a long list of exceptions! Review pages 111-114 of the 6th edition of the APA Publication Manual for complete details.

See if you can guess the correct way to present numbers in each of the following examples:

The mean circumference for Group [1] was [.23] cm and for Group [2] was [.48] cm.
Group 1 was .23 cm and for Group 2 was .48 cm.
Group 1 was 0.23 cm and for Group 2 was 0.48 cm.
Group one was 0.23 cm and for Group two was 0.48 cm.

The results indicate a significant relationship (p < [.05]).
The results indicate a significant relationship (p < .05).
The results indicate a significant relationship (p < 0.05).

[3] of the [12] analyses were conducted in the morning session.
3 of the 12
Three of the 12
Three of the twelve

Because of time constraints, [3] of the [12] analyses were conducted in the morning session.
3 of the 12
Three of the 12
Three of the twelve

There were [12] questions on each of the [3] sections of the questionnaire.
12 questions on each of the 3 sections
12 questions on each of the three sections
twelve questions on each of the 3 sections

There were [30] oz of fluid in each class and [7] oz of protein on each plate.
30 oz of fluid in each class and 7 oz of protein on each plate.
30 oz of fluid in each class and seven oz of protein on each plate.
thirty oz of fluid in each class and seven oz of protein on each plate.

There were [5] times as many participants in Group [1] than in Group [2], but [.50] of the participants did not complete the survey.
five times as many participants in Group 1 than in Group 2, but .50
five times as many participants in Group One than in Group Two, but fifty percent
5 times as many participants in Group 1 than in Group 2, but .50

[3] participants were paid [$5] each every [2] weeks.
3 participants were paid $5 each every 2 weeks.
Three participants were paid five dollars each every two weeks.
Three participants were paid $5 each every 2 weeks.

Table [3] includes the results of Trial [3] for all [3] conditions.
Table 3 includes the results of Trial 3 for all 3 conditions.
Table 3 includes the results of Trial 3 for all three conditions.
Table three includes the results of Trial three for all three conditions.

Only [1] response was valid.
Only 1 response was valid.
Only one response was valid.

Only [1] response was valid; only [1] out of [15] participants understood the question.
Only 1 response was valid; only 1 out of 15
Only one response was valid; only one out of 15
Only one response was valid; only 1 out of 15

Studies in the [1990's] supported the need for tutors for ESL students.
1990's
1990s
nineties

There were [2] [2]-year-olds and [3] [3] year-olds in the study.
There were two 2-year-olds and three 3-year-olds
There were 2 2-year-olds and 3 3-year-olds
There were 2 two-year-olds and 3 three-year-olds
There were two two-year-olds and three three-year-olds

The intervention was given to [1/3] of the participants.
one third of the participants
1/3 of the participants

The bailout was [$700,000,000,000].
Seven hundred billion dollars
$7 hundred billion
$700,000,000,000

The [1st 2] items were found to be not reliable.
1st two items
first 2 items
first two items

The [1st] item on the list of [75] questions
first item on the list of 75 questions
1st item on the list of 75 questions
first item on the list of seventy five questions

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Copyright BOLD Educational Software 2010
by Diane M. Dusick, Ph.D.
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