What are tables and graphs?

Tables and graphs are both visual representations of research findings. Both help readers see patterns that are present in the research results. There are some important differences. A table is a realtively dense representation of numerical (or statistical( data in tabular format. A graph is more visual than a table. It presents the shape of the results, making it easier to identify any patterns.

How do I read a table?

1. Identify the population under study by reading the title or caption. If you need more information, (ex. study time period) look in the adjacent text.

2. Identify variables presented in the table. By convention, the columns represent the independent variable. The rows make up the dependent variable. Where the two intersect or cross is called a cell.

3. Identify units of measure by reading column headers. The units can be quantitative (ex. frequencies, averages, percentages) or qualitative (ex. wages, time periods or birth rates).

• If the unit is a percentage, determine if it adds up to 100% by going down the column or by going across the row. This will affect how you interpret the results.

4. Read the information in the cells. This will tell you the quantified relationship between the variables.

5. Look for a pattern in the results. Examine the quantified relationships in order to construct comparisons and note correlations.

How do I read a graph?

When facing a new and complex graph, it is helpful to break up the process of interpretation into two steps: Describing and Interpreting the graph.

Step One: Describe

1. What is located on the axes? The x-axis runs horizontally and usually represents the independent variable. The independent variable is what is chosen for the treatments. The dependent variable "depends" upon, or responds to, those independent treatments and is usually located on the y-axis.
2. What are the units on the axes?
3. What is the scale on each axis (if it's a continuous variable)? Does it include a relatively small range or variation of a large one?
4. What do symbols and legends connote? A graph may compare responses to the independent variable among groups. If these groups are represented on the same graph, they will be represented by different symbols, dotted lines, color patterns, etc. These patterns will be explained in either a legend or the caption of the graph.
5. Identify patterns in the data.

Step Two: Interpret

1. What conclusions can be drawn from the patterns you have identified?

• Does the graph support or reject the hypothesis?
• Are there alternative explanations for the pattern in the data?
• Do new or unexpected results generate a new hypothese
• Does the graph illustrate a general principle?