TABLES, CHARTS and GRAPHS often provide much of the valuable information in research reports and in popular magazine and newspaper articles. Reading and extracting information from these forms of communication is important.

Desktop publishing makes some information more accessible and understandable. It also can be used to inflate the authority and importance of small data sets. Therefore it is imperative that readers evaluate the graphic representations of data and findings very carefully. It is impossible for a research report to include all of the data used. Therefore the number on a TABLE, position on a GRAPH or representation on a CHART are useful summaries.

TABLES

TABLES usually present numerical or statistical data where the columns are the types of data and the rows are categories. Start by reading the caption which labels the topic. The column headings and subheadings tell the content of each column for each category (the first column). Pay close attention to the units of measurement.  The top or bottom row often has cumulative totals for all the information included in the TABLE.

CHARTS

CHARTS are graphic representations in one of three types:

• Flow Charts show the progress of some activity, event or system. Arrows show direction of input and output.

• Organizational Charts show the structure and relationships within an organization. The hierarchy is implicit.

• Informational charts attempt to present specific pieces of factual information with maximum impact on the viewer. They frequently take careful study to understand the complete message.

GRAPHS

GRAPHS are based on a grid relationship of two traits or measurements. The interaction between the two factors is represented by curves (S or normal) or by its irregular (peaks and valleys).

The types are:

• Line Graph        

• Bar Graph or Histogram        

• 3-dimensional Histogram         

• Pie Chart         

• Pictograph   

It is important to read the captions carefully, be aware of the baseline used, study the intervals represented (time, amount, etc.), and compare the actual data with the projected data.

PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION

Including tabular or other summary information in papers, reports or talks assists the audience in understanding the content.  Often included among the capabilities of various computer software applications are instructions for attractive, easily understood tables, charts and graphs.  Statistical analysis packages, word processors, spread sheets, database management software, desktop publishing software and presentation software include varying levels of sophistication in preparing useful graphical aids.

Explore the full possibilities of the software packages with which you are familiar in learning to add this kind of information to your papers and presentations. If the package you currently use does not have the type of presentation you need, it may be well worth your time to learn others.  There is a selection of software available on the computers in the Busse Library Computer Center. Talk with the staff about the workshops for learning more about these applications.