Appropriate Data Presentation Method Guide
Graphs and charts help researchers visualize trends, patterns, and relationships within their data. It can reveal insights that might not be immediately apparent when looking at raw data, enhancing the understanding of the research outcomes.
To determine whether to use a table or a graph as the representation method for your data, consider the nature of your data and the purpose of the presentation. And here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision!
Art of making tables
Keep it Clear and Concise:
Ensure that the table's content is clear, concise, and directly relevant to your research objectives. Avoid cluttering the table with unnecessary information.
​
Title and Numbering:
Provide a clear and descriptive title for the table, and number the tables sequentially throughout the paper (e.g., Table 1, Table 2, etc.).
​
Column and Row Headings:
Use informative and concise headings for columns and rows. Clearly indicate what each row and column represents.
​
Units and Measurement:
Clearly state the units of measurement for numerical data. Consistently use the same units throughout the table.
​
Alignment:
Align the data in the cells consistently. Numerical data is typically right-aligned, while text data can be left-aligned.
​
Borders and Gridlines:
Use borders to separate the table from the surrounding text and to distinguish between rows and columns. Use light and unobtrusive gridlines to make the table easier to read.
Provide Footnotes: If needed, include footnotes at the bottom of the table to explain specific data points or provide additional context.
​
Data Consistency:
Ensure that the data presented in the table matches the corresponding text in the paper.
The purpose of a table is to present data in a clear, organized, and easily understandable format. By following these guidelines, you can construct tables that effectively support your research and enhance the overall quality of your research paper.
Construct your own tables
Label Axes Appropriately:
Clearly label the x-axis and y-axis with descriptive titles and units of measurement. Use a legible font for axis labels and ensure they are large enough to be easily read.
​
Include Descriptive Titles:
Add a concise and informative title to the graph, summarizing the main findings or the relationship being illustrated. Place the title above the graph and use a larger font size to make it stand out.
​
Use Consistent Data Units:
Ensure that all data points on the graph share the same unit of measurement to maintain accuracy and clarity. Use prefixes (e.g., kilo, mega) to handle large data values if necessary.
​
Avoid Data Distortion:
Do not use truncated or exaggerated scales that could misrepresent the data or manipulate the reader's interpretation. Start the y-axis at zero for bar charts and column graphs to maintain proportional representation.
​
Include Data Points and Error Bars :
Plot individual data points, if appropriate, to show the distribution and provide a more comprehensive view of the data. Include error bars to represent variability and uncertainty, especially when the data has replicates or standard errors.
[FIGURE]
Utilize Clear Symbols and Colors:
Use distinct symbols and colors to differentiate between different data sets or conditions, making it easier for readers to understand the graph.Ensure the chosen colors are easily distinguishable and consider colorblind readers when using colors.
​
​
[FIGURE]
​
Ensure High-Quality Resolution:
Save the graph as a high-resolution image to maintain clarity and legibility when it's inserted into the research paper!
By following these guidelines, you can create effective and informative graphs that enhance the presentation of your research findings in a research paper. Creating a multi-panel figure in scientific research involves arranging multiple graphs or images into a single composite figure. Multi-panel figures are useful for presenting related data or different aspects of an experiment in a concise and visually appealing manner. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a multi-panel figure:
​
​
[FIGURE]
​
1. Plan Your Figure:
Determining the order and arrangement of the panels based on the logical flow of your data or experimental conditions is very crucial.
2. Organize Your Data:
Ensure that the data for each panel is ready and organized appropriately for plotting. You may need to preprocess or reformat the data as needed.
​
[FIGURE]
​
3. Choose a Software:
Use scientific graphing software such as GraphPad Prism, MATLAB, Python (with libraries like Matplotlib or Seaborn), or R (with ggplot2) to create the multi-panel figure.
4. Label and Annotate:
Label the axes of each graph with clear and descriptive titles, including units of measurement. Add legends if necessary to explain the meaning of different elements within each graph. Include any necessary annotations, such as error bars, significance indicators, or other relevant information.
5. Customize the Appearance:
Ensure that the appearance of each graph (e.g., line style, color, marker) is consistent across all panels for clarity and coherence.Use appropriate font sizes and styles for titles, labels, and annotations. Make sure they are easily readable.
By following these steps, you can create a clear, concise, and visually engaging multi-panel figure to effectively present your research findings.
​