A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations, Ninth edition - Kate L. Turabian 2018

Numbers used outside the text
Numbers
Style

The preceding sections provide guidelines for presenting numbers in the text of your paper. Numbers used in tables, figures, source citations, and lists are subject to some of their own rules. For additional advice, see the appendix.

23.4.1 Numbers in Tables, Figures, and Citations

In general, use arabic numerals to present numerical data in tables and figures. For a discussion of numbers in tables, including table titles, see 26.2; for numbers in figures, including figure captions, see 26.3.

With few exceptions, arabic numerals are also used to cite volume numbers, edition numbers, and page numbers and other locators. For a discussion of numbers in notes-style citations, see 16.1.5 and chapter 17; for numbers in author-date citations, see 18.1.5 and chapter 19.

23.4.2 Enumerations

You may use numerals (and letters) to enumerate points discussed in the text, in appendixes, or in materials related to drafting your paper.

23.4.2.1 LISTS. Your text may contain lists of items that you choose to enumerate for emphasis. When such a list is relatively short, incorporate it into a single sentence. Be sure that all the items are grammatically parallel (all noun phrases, all adjectives, or the like). Each item should be preceded by an arabic numeral in parentheses. If there are more than two items, each should be followed by a comma (or, if the item is complex in structure, a semicolon; see 21.3). If the list is an appositive, use a colon to introduce it; otherwise do not use punctuation in this position (see 21.4).

Wilson’s secretary gave three reasons for his resignation: (1) advancing age, (2) gradually failing eyesight, and (3) opposition to the war.

The committee strongly endorsed the policies of (1) complete executive power, except as constitutionally limited; (2) strong legislative prerogatives; and (3) limited judicial authority, especially when it interfered with the committee’s own role.

If you are already using arabic numerals in parentheses for other purposes, substitute lowercase letters for the numbers.

Haskin’s latest theory has more than one drawback: (a) it is not based on current evidence, and (b) it has a weak theoretical grounding.

If the items in the list are longer or you wish to give them greater emphasis, arrange them in a vertical list. Introduce the list with a complete sentence followed by a colon. Again, be sure that all the items are grammatically parallel, and begin each one with a bullet or with an arabic numeral followed by a period. If the items are complete sentences, capitalize the first letter in each item and use terminal periods; otherwise use lowercase letters and no periods (see 21.1). Align the numerals on the periods and any lines that run over with the first word in the first line.

My research therefore suggests the following conclusions:

1. 1. The painting could not have been a genuine Picasso, regardless of the claims of earlier scholars.

2. 2. It is impossible to identify the true artist without further technical analysis.

23.4.2.2 OUTLINES. In some situations you may include an outline or a similar enumeration in an appendix to your paper, or in a draft stage of the paper (see 6.2.1). Use the following system of notation, consisting of letters and roman and arabic numerals, and indent each level by one further tab (usually a half inch). You should have at least two items to list at each level; if you do not, reconsider the structure of the outline. If the items are phrases, capitalize them sentence-style (see 22.3.1) and do not use terminal punctuation. If they are complete sentences, capitalize and punctuate them as you would any other sentence (see 6.2.1 for an example).

1.  I. Wars of the nineteenth century

1. A. United States

1. 1. Civil War, 1861—65

1. a) Cause

1. (1) Slavery

1. (a) Compromise

1. i) Missouri Compromise

2. ii) Compromise of 1850 . . .

2. b) Result

2.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.  II. Wars of the twentieth century

1. A. United States

1. 1. First World War . . .