Scientific data
Presenting data
Tables
When collecting data the best way to display it is to construct a table. This helps to organise your data collection:
- the variables go in the column headings - eg 'distance along quadrat' and 'number of species in quadrat'
- the units must also be placed in the column headings and should not appear elsewhere in the table - here (m) is for metres (along the quadrat) and there are no units for the number of species
| Distance along quadrat (m) | Number of species in quadrat |
| 5 | 9 |
| 10 | 7 |
| 15 | 2 |
| 20 | 3 |
| Distance along quadrat (m) | 5 |
|---|---|
| Number of species in quadrat | 9 |
| Distance along quadrat (m) | 10 |
|---|---|
| Number of species in quadrat | 7 |
| Distance along quadrat (m) | 15 |
|---|---|
| Number of species in quadrat | 2 |
| Distance along quadrat (m) | 20 |
|---|---|
| Number of species in quadrat | 3 |
Charts
Charts are a way to display data after it has been collected.
Data values which can only take certain values, often whole number values, eg shoe sizes, number of brothers and sisters. can only have certain values and are shown using a A type of graph showing values that are represented by rectangular bars.. This can help to show any patterns.
A A chart showing values that are represented as proportionately sized slices of pie. shows a category compared with the whole. For example, the percentage of each gas in the atmosphere can be shown using a pie chart.
Graphs
Continuous data is obtained by measuring, using an instrument or a thermometer, and cannot be exact. Examples of continuous data are the length of a room and the weight of an apple. can take any value in a given range. It includes time, mass and length. Continuous data should be presented on a Connects data points using connecting lines.. Line graphs are particularly useful in helping to spot any trends or patterns in the data.