Updated Feb. 16, 2007
Examine the “Results” sections of two or three sample articles (preferably one from each person in your group).
Find examples of as many different types of data presentation (or “results presentation”) as you can—including:
different ways of presenting data visually
tables
formulae
graphs
charts
images
different ways of presenting data textually
detailed descriptions
reports of “outcomes” of experimental tests [e.g., “The first three casts with test bait #1 resulted in no caught fish.”]
numerical presentations of raw data in the text itself
numerical presentations of aggregate data
data presentations linked to visuals vs. not linked to visuals
generalizations about the data
After you compile a list of all the different types of results presentations, use this list to answer the following questions:
a. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each style of data/results presentation?
b. In each case, what other type of presentation would be possible, and why was the other type not chosen? [E.g., if the writer has used a table, why not use a line graph or a regular sentence with the data instead?]
c. In the book’s discussion of the relationship between “visual” and “verbal” [i.e., “textual”] presentations of data, Penrose and Katz note that the visual presentations must be both independent from the verbal presentations and interdependent with the verbal presentations. What do they mean by this seemingly contradictory claim? Find examples of visually presented results that are both independent and interdependent with the corresponding verbal presentations.
Prepare to discuss your examples with the large group.
|
|
Created July 22, 2004 Updated Feb. 16, 2007 |