Using Tables and Graphs for Reporting Data.

For presenting the study results, authors need to choose from one of the three formats: text, tables and graphs. The underlying consideration of any author while making the choice is to ensure that readers find it easy to understand, to assist the author present data in a way that would catch the reader's eye, hold his interest and enhance his understanding. The choice should, therefore, be based on the advantages and limitations of each of these formats. Most of the observations are reported in textual format. Tables are useful when comparisons are to be shown. Graphs attract readers' attention better and the data they depict remains in the reader's memory. The type of graph used is dependent upon the nature of data that is to be shown. Every research paper has a lot to say through the data that has been collected and analyzed. However, this data needs to be presented in a logical, coherent and easy-to-understand manner. The way data is presented can influence the reviewers' and editors' decision. It can also make the difference between a paper being appreciated by the readers or being neglected or even trashed by them. Tables and Graphs are the two important tools that authors use to make the data more presentable and easy to read and understand.
(© Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.)