ADP L7 Tables and Figures

Lesson 7 Academic PaperTables and Figures

Kansai University 2011

Body of Academic Paper (1)

Introduction Introductory Paragraph Literature Review Concluding Paragraph or Study Overview

Methods Introductory Paragraph Participants Step-by-step Description of Procedure Explanation of How Data was Analyzed Concluding Paragraph

Body of Academic Paper (2)

Results & Discussion Introductory Paragraph Present your data

Information about your data Tables and Figures

Explain your data Concluding Paragraph

Conclusion

Use a Spreadsheet Use Excel® or Google DocsTM

When you have data in a spreadsheet, you can Sort the data Count the data Use formulas (percent %, sums or totals) Use functions (average, countif, lookup) Compile statistical information (correlation,

deviation) Data can easily be analyzed. Tables and figures are easily made.

Demonstration Using multiple worksheets Sorting data Using Formulas

Example: D6=B5+C5 Using Functions

Example: B36=Sum(B5:B35) Inserting a Figure See Google Document example

Example: http://tinyurl.com/lesson7worksheet

Tables: Important Points

Is it necessary? No vertical lines (for columns) Caption at bottom Axes labeled Legend for different groups of data In text, tell reader what to look for

As shown in Table X, ... KIS (Keep it simple)

Example of a Table

Citizenship Japan % USA %

Studied abroad 11 31% 7 20%

Facebook 8 23% 25 71%

Mixi 29 83% 2 6%

Skype 15 43% 20 57%

Table 1. Communication technologies used by 35 students

Figures:Important Points

Charts, graphs, drawings, or photos.

Is it needed? Does it help the reader?

Figure number and title (bottom): (X) Figure 2. Population (O) Figure 2. Population of Honolulu, 2002.

Legend & labels KIS

Example of a Figure

Study abroad

Facebook Mixi Skype0

25

50

75

100Japan

Perc

ent o

f use

rs

Figure 1. Student use of communication technologies

What to Avoid Too much data in one table or figure

Separate into parts Remove irrelevant data

Too many fonts, colors. lines and shapes Can y♥u read this easily?

Missing titles or legends Text too small and unreadable

Discussion of Results (1)

In the discussion section, the results are examined, interpreted, and evaluated.

The discussion section clearly states whether the hypothesis was supported by the results. Give the big picture first. Example:

The results of this research show that Facebook is used more than Mixi when Japanese students study abroad.

Discussion of Results (2)

The broader implications or outcomes of the results should be discussed. Example:

The results suggest that students may improve their collaboration skills through educational service projects in a developing country.

If the results did not support the hypothesis, give an explanation (NOT excuses). I was sick and did not have any time. My team members did not give me all the

data.

Discussion of Results (3)

Problems with the methods should be discussed with suggestions to improve the study. Example:

A larger number of students surveyed is needed to confirm the difference shown in this study.

Offer suggestions for future research. Example:

Newer technologies, such as smart phone applications, may identify trends in the use of social media by high school students.

Homework Finish writing the results and discussion

section for your practice paper. Continue with the same Google Document. Include one table. Label properly. Include one figure. Write a concluding paragraph. Write an introductory paragraph

(or review and revise it). Write reflections about what you learned

and how to apply this lesson when write your paper. Post reflection in Facebook ADP Group.

Question and Answers

Kansai UniversitySpring 2011