Final answer:
When writing in APA style, excessive use of figurative language such as metaphors and analogies should generally be avoided to maintain clarity and objectivity. Figurative language may be used sparingly and with caution if it aids in understanding complex concepts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When writing in APA style, it's generally true that writers should avoid using excessive figurative language such as metaphors and analogies in formal research papers and scientific writing.
While some forms of academic writing, particularly in the humanities, might incorporate such elements for descriptive purposes, APA style emphasizes clarity, precision, and objectivity. Thus the statement "When writing in APA style you should use figurative language" would be mostly false.
In research-focused or scientific papers, the use of metaphors, similes, and other forms of figurative language can be distracting and may interfere with the clear presentation of evidence and research results.
However, there might be instances in which a carefully chosen metaphor or analogy can aid understanding, especially when explaining complex or abstract concepts. Overall, the use of figurative language should be minimal and employed with caution in APA style writing.