Data visualization slideshow created for Melrose High School Library by Tom Scudder. Includes an overview of general rules for using figures in academic research writing, such as the inclusion of graphs vs. charts, use of color and fonts, and rules for when to use text instead of figures or visuals.

1. The 10 dos and 500 don’ts of charts and graphs in your
academic paper
AP Research
Melrose High School Library
Tom Scudder

2. Golden rule for charts or graphs
If information can be communicated clearly and succinctly
without use of a figure or graph, then no graphic is necessary.
HOWEVER, proper use can illustrate complicated relationships
more clearly and in less space than in writing.
Any graphs, tables, or figures should enhance your paper rather
than repeat or distract.

3. IMPORTANT NOTE
Any information contained within a
chart, graph, or table (including
both the image and caption) are
NOT included in the word count
and therefore not part of your
argument.
ALL key elements of your argument
should appear in the body of your
paper. A table is not a way to “save”
on the word count.

4. Use a table…
…to show many and
precise numerical values
and other specific data in
a small space
…to compare and
contrast values or
characteristics among
multiple related items
…to show the presence or
absence of specific
characteristics
Use a graph/figure… Use text…
…to show trends,
patterns, and
relationships across and
between data sets when
the pattern is more
important than specific
values
…to summarize research
results (graphs, plots,
maps, pie charts, etc.)
…to present a visual
explanation of events
…when you don’t have
extensive or complicated
data to present
…when your table would
result in two or fewer
columns
…when data is peripheral,
secondary, or irrelevant
to the main study and
findings

5. Figure Examples
In “Making Health Education
LGBTQ+ Inclusive in Vermont
High Schools”, the author
utilizes several figures to
illustrate trends in survey data
then explains the important
takeaways in the text.
Figures are useful for
displaying a large amount of
contextual data that allows the
author to pick and choose
findings to discuss.

6. Table Examples
In “Music Chemistry: The Formula
of K-Pop”, the author uses a table
to display all identified key
signatures and relevant descriptive
statistics. In the text, they highlight
the main findings.
A table like this is ideal for
displaying a large amount of data,
such as multiple means, p-values,
or other relevant statistical
measures.

7. Graph Examples
In “The effectiveness of practicing
yoga on high school athletes”, the
author uses a figure to display
continuous data.
A graph is useful for displaying a
trend or pattern, where having a
combination of color and a visual
representation can tell a story
more effectively than you could in
words. Your analysis then explains
what the graph shows.

8. General guidelines
● Figures should be self-explanatory (should stand alone as an argument or
story - readers will often look at figures before reading a page)
● Refer, don’t repeat!
○ Ex: If survey responses are included in a table, don’t re-list percent of
respondents who chose A, B, C, D.
○ However, DO highlight main findings
● Provide clear, informative titles with clearly labeled axes and units
● Use an appendix for lengthier tables or figures
● Cite any tables from other sources (original are preferred unless you have
permission) as well as data or tables taken or modified from others’ work

9. Design
● Use consistent sans-serif fonts and aim for readability of text, captions,
lines, labels, etc.
● Be mindful of color combinations
○ Avoid red/green combinations (color blindness)
○ Use contrasting colors rather than similar hues
○ Use hues of increasing intensity if displaying a color visual of a single
variable (ex. if displaying a map of poverty rates, use light red for low
poverty and deep red for high poverty)
● Use leading zeros for decimals (ex: 0.55 rather than .5)
● Make sure you label axes and include units
● Consider shading alternate table rows for clarity and readability

10. Things to Avoid
Any visuals that indicate an incomplete
or otherwise skewed sample.
Visuals or infographics that aren’t yours.
Infographics are especially useless.

11. Things to Avoid
The Stapplet screenshot presented
without context or interpretation.
Unnecessary pie charts that
overcomplicate a simple statistic.

12. Organization
● Check discipline guidelines for “Figure” vs. “Chart” etc.
● Always refer to figures on the same page they are introduced
○ Ex: If Figure 1 is on page 3, it should be first referenced
in-text on page 3
○ Can be referenced on subsequent pages as well if
necessary
● Lengthier tables should be reserved for an appendix (see K-
Pop sample). These can still be referenced (ex: See Appendix
3).

13. Appendix/Appendices
● Include original data collection instruments and any
accompanying forms in an appendix
○ Mainly just for surveys, but also interview questions or
other relevant materials. You do not need to include raw
data in an appendix.
○ I suggest you refer to each appendix when the relevant
tool is mentioned in your paper
■ Ex. “I constructed a survey [Appendix 1]. Participants completed a
consent form [Appendix 2].”

14. Discipline Specifics
Some disciplines have specific guidelines for use of figures and
appendices in academic papers.
Consult Purdue OWL or papers in your discipline for examples
of how to properly structure and organize tables and sections of
your paper
When in doubt, don’t use a figure (keep it simple!)

15. The end.
Melrose High School Library
Tom Scudder
Melrose High School Library
Tom Scudder
Melrose High School Library
Tom Scudder