Presenting data

Figures and tables can be used to present data in your report or thesis. It is a means of presenting information in a concise manner. This page covers important questions to ask yourself when using visual presentation methods to present data.

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Literature reviews for postgraduates Systematic reviews, scoping reviews and meta-analysis Abstracts, summaries and structured abstracts Introductions and research gaps Methodology, methods and procedure sections Results sections Discussion sections Mapping an argument Presenting data Research frameworks

Figures can include diagrams such as drawings, logos, or cartoons, but most often they are graphs or charts. Tables usually display numerical data arranged in rows and columns.

Learn about presenting data.

Presenting data

Using tables and figures

Identifying the need for a table or figure

Deciding which is most appropriate – a figure or a table

Referring to tables and figures in the text

Numbering tables and figures

Key elements of tables and figures, including placement

Proofreading tables and figures

Citing tables and figures

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References