Effective Use of Tables and Figures in Abstracts

Effective Use of Tables and Figures in Abstracts, Presentations, and Papers Charles G Durbin RESPIRATORY CARE • OCTOBER 2004 VOL 49 NO 10 Research Methodology Journal Club Presented by Ali A Haghdoost

We use tables and graphs because • Mentioned in the paper – More attractive – Present data in less space – Easy to follow • We can add – Easier to reference – More familiar to readers – Easier to compare different groups Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

Two basic rules • do not include identical information: – in a table and a graph – don’t repeat the information from a table or graph in the text. Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

Tables and Figures in the abstracts • When we can use tables and graphs in the abstracts? – Mostly in conference proceeding Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

In the abstracts • General rules – Use a table or figure only if it helps you convey the meaning more clearly or in less space – Keep simple and short as much as possible (around 1/3 of the abstract) – Keep consistency of your fonts and typestyles between your text and table – Use lines and boxes appropriately Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

Let the illustration speak for itself Good cross-reference – We were surprised that 81% of these patients had sepsis • Bad cross-reference – Figure 1 shows that 47% of patients had COPD, 21% had ARDS, and 81% had sepsis Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

In Journal papers • To illustrate the study design • To present data • To summarize the review literature Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

To illustrate the protocol Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

In poster • Simple and short • Readable from at least 4 feet • Use font and color to attack attentions Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

Which one is correct to illustrate the distribution of a district variable? Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

Which one do you choose? Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS

Which one is correct? Ali A Haghdoost Research Methodology Journal Club Medical School, KUMS