DESCRIBING DATA:

(Please also see VISUALS > How to include them)

A table is an appropriate way of presenting a collection of numeric or descriptive data where the values of each parameter are set out in the column of a table.  When constructing your tables, you should bear the following points in mind in order to ensure effective data presentation:

• Each column should have its own heading, giving a brief description of what it contains, and when choosing your headings, remember that it is easier to scan down a column than it is to scan along a row.
  
  Each column should, where appropriate, have a symbol and units.
  
  
• Round your data to two effective digits.
  
  
• Order by size to make comparisons easier and, where possible, use a familiar variable (such as market share) and emphasise the main comparisons you want to make (usually the column with the most [or least] variation).
  
  
• Use a layout to guide the eye, for example:
  
  
  • Tables should be kept as simple as possible and should not include any unnecessary columns for intermediate calculations.
    
    
  • Avoid having too wide a heading otherwise, large spaces between the columns of figures makes it difficult for the eye to travel along rows, and so, difficult to make comparisons.
    
    
  • Numbers should be arranged so that the decimal points line up.
    
    
  • A table does not need to include many drawn lines – a few horizontal and vertical lines are usually all that is required
    
    
• Tables should have a title and be numbered using a numbering system that reflects the numbering of the report or essay, e.g. Table 3.1, Table 3.2 etc.
  
  The table number and its title should be placed just above the table (for a figure the number/title is below).
  
  
• To aid the reader in recalling the data and its message in the future, all tables (and figures) should include a verbal summary.  This summary should be highlighted (italic or bold typeface) and placed below the table, indented and separated from the main body of text.

See how the above table is modified and embedded amongst sample text (below).

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Table 2.2 (below) duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit present.