Writing Results
Figures
Anything that is not a table (an array of numbers or text) is considered a figure. A figure would include a graph, chart, image, photo or diagram.
The figure should present the results in the clearest manner possible. This will depend on the data being presented and the results you wish to highlight. Do not rely on the standard settings in Excel, try to view the figure as your reader would see it?
Feel free to comment or improve on this design. The point is, don’t rely on preset settings.
The adjustments I made from standard figure; remove chart title, legend and gridlines. Insert plot area border and make the x axis darker to match plot area border. Bold and increased font size of axis titles and axes labels (all 12 point, except Y axis numbers are 10 point). Insert custom, positive error bars (help?).
Figure Captions
Figure captions should have enough detail for the reader to understand the figure, without reading the text. They should;
• begin with Fig. X (or sometimes Figure X), where X is the figure number,
• are a concise and descriptive title (not Transpiration vs Light),
• contain all the information needed to interpret the figure with reading the text.
• list any species names; both common and scientific.
• have a legend; the description of symbols, colours, error bars, etc. in brackets at the end of the caption,
• be placed below a figure.
Individually, write a caption for the figure you prepared last week.
Results Text
In the text below, comment on the key results in the figure. Avoid any interpretations or judgments (as they belong in the Discussion). Always use the past tense. Refer to a figure or table in text by “
Individually write a sample of results text.
When you are writing, consider;
• Which value is the “base” value from which you compare the others?
• Describe the scale of the differences