How to enhance data interpretation in your research paper using figures
It is usual for scientists to gather a significant quantity of data into long paragraphs and numerous textual pages, which might be intimidating to the majority of the audience who live fast-paced lives and prefer easy-to-read or fast-to-read data.
Complex textual data can be made accessible to readers using visual assets. In this article, we will explain how to use figures in a research paper to enhance visual assets and accomplish easy data interpretation.
When and why should you include figures in a research paper?
When you need backup for your argument, using figures is an excellent option. However, if your data or information can be described in brief lines that can be read quickly without raising concerns or uncertainties, a figure is most certainly unneeded.
A figure is required when there is a complicated block of information or data that is difficult to explain and would take many arguments or justifications to get to the point, while still raising many concerns and inquiries.
Is there a minimum or maximum for figures?
There is no minimum or maximum number of figures in research paper, but you must use good judgment. Including too many figures can make your paper illegible and affect the readers’ understanding.
Although there is no restriction, on average, it is suggested that a research paper include no more than 5 tables and no more than 8 figures. It might depend on the journal's publishing requirements. Check them before editing your paper.
Apart from the quantity, you should also consider the quality of your figures. There are many editing tools and picture galleries that can help you find stunning and scientifically accurate figures to illustrate your work.
Guidelines for including figures in a research paper
Including figures in your research paper may greatly improve its understandability and encourage your readers to read it in entirety. However, this must be done correctly for which we have shared guidelines below.
Self-explanatory
If your audience needs to comprehend the data immediately, they are more inclined to skip to the figures and tables than reading the entire material. As a result, ensure that all visual assets are well-organized and easy to understand.
Placement
Include your figures in the center of the page, near to the paragraph/section where they were first discussed, and, if feasible, just below the textual content associated with the figure.
Captions
Figures must be designated with a number, and captions may include a brief statement that summarizes the data as well as any other pertinent information. Remember that figures are often read from the bottom up, therefore captions must be placed to the left, below the figure.
Quality
Figures must be of sufficient size and resolution to be legible. A low-resolution image or figure might be difficult to see and comprehend.
Components are also important, so include colors, lines, and icons, and make sure the data is clear; the audience must be able to understand the figures without the elements.
Consistency
The values and numbers in the tables and figures, as well as the main text of the research paper, should be consistent. Make sure that your written content and figures are in sync.
Journal guidelines
If you want to publish your research paper, keep in mind that the journal may have guidelines for presenting figures and tables, numbering style, titles, resolution, size, formats, and a range of other characteristics.
Additional details
If your figure requires further information to be complete, you have to include it. You may need to include scale indicators, wind rose, or arrows on maps. As for graphs, adding labels, legends, and explanations for symbols or markings are also important. Remember to check the journal's publishing requirements.
Consider using tables as well
A table may be preferable than a figure when numerical data or other types of information must be condensed in a tiny space. A table allows you to mix, compare, and contrast multiple types of information in one location, as well as examine all of the required information, characteristics, or variables, divided by columns.
Figures are ideal for displaying patterns, trends, or relationships between two or more pieces of information. Figures, rather than tables, are utilized to emphasize the pattern instead of the data itself. There are several figure alternatives, such as graphs, data plots, maps, pie charts, among others.
Remember to consider all of your possibilities before deciding on the type of visual to include in your research.
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