Tables and illustrations are important tools for efficiently communicating information and data contained in your research paper to the readers. They present complex results in a comprehensible and organized manner.
However, it is advisable to use tables and illustrations wisely so as to maximize the impact of your research.They should be organized in an easy-to-understand format to convey the information and findings collected in your research. The tabular information helps the reader identify the theme of the study more readily. Although data tables should be complete,they should not be too complex. Instead of including a large volume of data in a single unwieldy table, it is prudent to use small tables to help readers identify the important information easily.
Here are some points you should consider before drafting the tables in your research paper:
- Finalize the results that are required to be presented in tabular form.
- Include the data or results that are relevant to the main aim of the study without being choosy and including only those results that support your hypothesis.
- Create each table in a lucid manner and style without cluttering it with in-table citations.
- Number the tables in a sequence according to their occurrence in the text.
- Don’t mix tables with figures. Maintain separate numbering systems for tables and figures.
- Create tables in a storytelling manner. Remember that your tables communicate a story to the reader that runs parallel to the text.
- If you are using or reproducing tables from other published articles, obtain permission from the copyright holder (usually the publisher) or/andacknowledge the source.
- Do not repeat the tabular contents in the text again; that will create confusion among readers.
- Use clear and informative text for each table title.
- Take extra care while extending the data in your tables. If you have too many tables, consider using them as appendices or supplementary materials.
- Create tables with sufficient spacing in the layout so that they do not look messy, crowded, or cluttered.
- Do not forget to spell out abbreviations used in the tables, ideally in the footnotes.
For the reader, a research paper that is dense and text-heavy can be tiresome. Conversely, tables not only encapsulate your data lucidly, but also welcome a visual relief for the reader. They add value to the layout of your paper. Besides, and more importantly, reviewers often glance at your tabulated data and illustrations first before delving into the text. Therefore, tables can be the initial draw for a reviewer and deliver a positive impact about your research paper. If you can achieve an optimum balance among your text, tables, and illustrations, it can go a long way toward being published.
