7

Illustrations and Graphics

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

IntroductionWe learn 90% of what we know through visual information.

Presenters who use visual aids are often perceived as being more professional and persuasive than those who rely on speech only.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Advantages of using graphicsGood graphics can take the place of many pages of text and can convey key information visually and make it easy to concentrate on the key issues.

Graphics can be used to show trends and relations quickly, accurately, and clearly.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Conventions for using graphics1. Captions.2. Numbering.3. Use tables to show exact figures.4. Distinguish between graphics for reference and

graphics for arguing a case.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Integration of graphics into textTreat graphics as part of the message by placing them in the relevant part of the text.

Some points to be considered:Have a good caption.Introduce the table or figure.Analyze information directly below the figure or

table.Cite the source.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

TablesA table is made up of rows and columns of cells that you can fill with text and graphics.

They are often used to organize and present information.

The major function of tables is to impart specific information to the reader.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Informal tablesAn informal table is placed in the text and is an integral part of the written statement. It therefore needs no caption because it is a continuous part of the text.

Example: In the last elections at University of Khartoum, the percentage of participation has been as follows:First level = 45%Second level = 63%Third level = 44%Fourth level = 59%Fifth level = 55%

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Formal tablesFormal tables may be placed within the text, but should be clearly distinguished from it.

Table numberTitle

Stub Heading

Column heading(s)

Sub-heading Sub-heading Sub-heading

Body of table containing data

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Figures Graphs and charts:

The term ‘graph’ or ‘chart’ are used when numeric data are presented in graphic form.

The type of figure you choose depends on:• The target audience.• Contact.• The nature of the raw data.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Pie charts

•Useful only for showing parts as a percentage of a whole and not for relationships and trends.

•Start at 12 o’clock with the largest slice and work round in a clockwise direction, from largest to smallest.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Bar graphs

•No fixed rules to determine whether the bars run vertically or horizontally.

•Different types of bar graphs are available (grouped, cumulative, etc) depending on your data.

•Bar graphs are useful for showing discrete information.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Line graphs

•Useful for continuous information.

•Used to show the behavior of two variables: independent on the X axis and independent on the Y axis.

•Suited to show purely technical information to specialist audiences.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Flow charts

•Sequential diagrams to show the stepwise procedures used to perform a task.

•Flow goes from top to bottom and left to right.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Design considerations•Some colors make objects look larger (Yellow, White, Red)

•Avoid using fancy fonts or mixing font styles within a presentation.

•Include some horizontal references lines to help the reader estimate numerical values on your graphs