Tables and figures are an integral part of a well-written scientific paper.

If a table has only a few rows and columns, try stating the findings in a few sentences. Information in small tables can often be presented better in the text.

Decide whether a difficult prose explanation could be better described with a figure.

Consolidate similar information into one table to let the reader compare easily so that the reader does not have to search for related information.

Does your figure show more than could be said in a few well-chosen words? A figure is not always better.

If the text is crowded with detail, especially quantitative detail, consider creating a table. Do not overload the text with information that could be presented better in a table.

Tables present numbers for comparison with
other numbers or summarize or define concepts, terms, or other details of a study.

Asterisks or letters next to values indicating statistical significance should appear in the same cell as the value, not an adjacent cell

Do not use the enter key within the body of the table. Instead, separate data horizontally with a new row.

Spell out abbreviations at first mention in tables, even if they have already been defined in the text. The reader should be able to understand the table content without referring back to the text.

Always use Microsoft Word's table feature when creating a table. That is, the table that you create should have defined cells. DO NOT create tables by using the space bar and/or tab keys. Do not submit tables in Microsoft Excel.

To highlight individual values in tables, you may use boldface type, italic type, or underlining. Any highlighting must have a supplemental note of explanation; attach the note symbol to the first value that is so highlighted. Do not use color or shading.