COMMUNICATING FINDINGS AND ETHICAL ISSUES 2
Communicating Findings and Ethical Issues
The Purpose and Benefit of Using Tables and Graphs in Research Presentation
The primary purpose of using tables and graphs in research presentation is to summarize
the findings and make them easily read and understood by the target audience. A research
presentation requires that the data and results generated be presented in a visually appealing
manner for a more straightforward interpretation. This presentation is often made through
patterns and relationships that are exhibited in the analyzed data. While a table shows this
information in terms of rows and columns, a graph will have it presented in the form of shapes.
There are different types of tables and charts used to present information. The choice of the tool
depends on the nature of data to be displayed. Examples of tables include frequency distribution,
sampling distribution, and population distribution tables. Graphs include histograms, bar graphs,
pie charts, and cartesian charts. The benefits of making presentations with the use of tables and
graphs are as follows:
i. They help in simplifying complex data and ideas for essential understanding and
interpretation by the target audience.
ii. Tables and graphs make the viewers of the statistical information obtain the points
required instantly.
iii. The use of tables and graphs create a visual impression when presenting data and
information. As a result, they help in engaging the audience better.
iv. Moreover, tables and graphs help in adding interest to "dry data." Consequently, they
change the perception of complex data and information into a fun process.