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Incorporating Data and Figures in a Report - Coggle Diagram
Incorporating Data and Figures in a Report
Visual elements such as graphs, charts, tables, photographs, diagrams, and maps capture readers’ attention and help them to understand the writers' ideas more fully.
These visuals help to augment the written ideas and simplify complicated textual descriptions. They can help the reader understand a complicated process or visualize trends in the data.
The key concept to remember here is that visuals clarify, illustrate, and augment the written text; they are not a replacement for written text.
5 Rules for Integrating Graphics Into Our Document
Give each visual a numbered caption that includes a clear descriptive title.
Refer to the caption number within the body text and discuss its content.
Label all units (x and y axes, legends, column box heads, parts of diagrams, etc.
Provide the source of the data and/or visual image if we did not create it yourself.
Avoid distorting the data or image.
If the writer has visual elements in his/her document, they must be based on and supplement the written content. Throwing in “gratuitous graphics” just to decorate or take up space can confuse the reader.
It is important to choose the right kind of visual to convey the story to the readers in order for them to understand the content. If visuals are poorly chosen or poorly designed for the task, they can actually confuse the reader and have negative consequences.
Types of Illustrative Graphics
Tables
Place detailed data/information in categories formatted into rows and columns for comparison; use when exact figures are important. Label column headings (box heads) and/or rows (stubs).
Graphs
a) Bar Graph
Compare and contrast two or more subjects at the same point in time, or compare change over time.
b) Column Graph
Reveal change in a subject at regular intervals of time.
c) Line Graph
Show the degree and direction of change relative to two variables; compare items over time, show frequency or distribution, or show correlations.
Charts
a) Pie Chart
Display the number and relative size of the divisions of a subject, shows relation of parts to a whole (parts must sum to 100% to make sense).
b) Org. Chart
Map the divisions and levels of responsibility or hierarchy within an organization.
c) Flow Chart
Show the sequence of steps in a process or procedure.
d) Gantt Chart
Indicates timelines for multi-stepped projects, especially used in proposals and progress reports.
Illustrations
a) Diagram
Identify the parts of a subject and their spatial or functional relationship; emphasize detail or show dimensions.
b) Photo
Show what a subject looks like in realistic detail or show it being used.
c) Animation
Simulate a process, operation or incident.
d) Film Clip
Depict a process, operation or incident in realistic detail.