LESSON 14 HOW DO VISUAL/GRAPHIC AIDS

Target: SUPPORT RESEARCH FINDINGS?

At the end of the lesson,
you will be able to:
EXPLORE
• Summarize findings and
execute the report
through narrative and
visual/graphic forms
Think-Pair-Share: Read the short caption and determine what visual /
graphic best suits it. You may describe or draw your visual/graphic aid.

(Place your visual/graphic aid here.)

Figure 1. Floor Plan of the Proposed SHS Lounge

Guide Questions:

1. Was it easy to match the

title caption with the
visual aid?
2. In the absence of a
caption, can a visual
aid be a stand-alone
document?
In report
writing, visual and
graphic aids provide
explanations beyond
the scope of written
words.

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 EXAMINE

Using Visual/Graphic Aids

Visuals and graphic aids are an indispensable part of a report or
thesis, supplementing data or research findings and explaining them
in ways that words cannot. Visual aids include the following: charts,
diagrams, graphs, tables, maps, photographs, cartoons, spreadsheets,
images including clip art, drawings and other illustrations. Using non-
text elements will make your report look more engaging and easier to
understand.

In a technical or scientific report, it would be difficult to explain the

findings without any visual means. For this reason, it would be best to
include a floor plan, location map, or graph to explain what the report is Does the use of visuals and
about. In a thesis, the research findings may be summed up to support graphic aids apply to all topics
or contradict the researcher’s hypothesis. The findings can best be whether non-scientific/non-
explained through tables, charts, graphs or illustrations such as pictures technical?
which may be labeled as Tables or Figures. Both the graphic aids and
the accompanying explanation support each other to make the report or
thesis easier to understand.

Tables, Graphs and Charts

In research writing, tables, graphs and charts are the most common and
effective means of presenting information when there is a need to show
patterns and relationships in discussing your findings. Using these tools,
you can organize your information and arrange data in a way that can
be easily understood by your readers. They are especially useful when
dealing with statistics or numbers in your report.

Tables
Tables are used to present large amounts of data or when exact numbers
are required. When formatting a table, it is important to consider the
content that should be included and then determine the best layout so
that the information is correctly and clearly understood. A good table
should be self-explanatory with enough information provided to be
easily interpreted by the reader.

In general, a table includes a table identification (Table 1, Figure 1, etc.),

a descriptive table heading, informative column and row labels, and the
numbers or data. Footnotes may also be added if additional information
will give a better understanding of the data. Examples of footnotes are:
the source of data, definition of symbols used in the table, or information
about the sample represented in the table.

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 The following example gives us an idea of a well-formatted table:

Table 1: Factors for Choosing to Enrol in Online Classes at RS Open University

Students enrolled at RS Open University
Factors
Frequency Percentage
Work obligations 1,560 31.2
No fixed class schedule 1,366 27.2
No need to travel 1,109 22.1
Family obligations 987 19.7
Total 5,022 100%
Base: all respondents (n=5,022)
Source: RS Open University Office, University Student Survey, August 2017

The table has the following notable elements:

• a table number for easy referencing

• a title that gives a good description of the table content
• information on the number of respondents, including totals
• flushed right alignment of numbers and comma separators that allow
values to be compared easily
• use of bold font and formatting lines to distinguish headings and totals
from data
• responses are sorted from highest to lowest value for easier viewing of
information
• shows the frequency and percentage of responses to facilitate interpretation

Having properly formatted tables in your research report can provide a

good summary of the statistical information you want to present and can
definitely enhance the overall presentation of your report.

Graphs and Charts

Graphs and charts present information visually, allowing the reader to
see complex data clearly and effectively in pictorial form. In contrast to
a table, graphs and charts do not show exact numeric details but rather
simplify the numbers to display a pattern or trend in the data, as well as
relationships in data values.

There are many types of graphs and charts, but the more common are
bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts. The choice of graph or chart
depends on the type of data you want to present.

Bar Graph

The bar graph is used for categorical data where there is no particular
ordering of the categories. It compares the different values in the graph,

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with the length of the bar indicating whether the value is greater or
lesser. A bar graph may be vertical or horizontal.

The bar graph below shows the percentage of Filipinos exposed to

different kinds of mass media.

Table by Philippine Statistics Authority is licensed under CC By 4.0 / Desaturated from

original

Line Graph

A line graph is used to show trends for data gathered over a period of
time. It can also compare two different variables over time. The line
graph below shows the rate of use of three contraceptive methods from
1968 to 2011.

Image by Philippine Statistics Authority is licensed under CC By 4.0 / Desaturated from

original

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 Pie Chart

A pie chart shows the parts of the data set in relation to the whole. It is
useful for presenting percentage distributions, with each segment of the
pie representing a particular category. The following pie chart shows the
percentage distribution of women workers in different BPO industries.

Image by Philippine Statistics Authority is licensed under CC By 4.0 /

Desaturated from original

With the help of desktop productivity software like word processing and
spreadsheet applications, you can readily produce tables, graphs, and
charts just by entering your numerical data. These applications provide
you with a variety of graphic tools to choose from so that you can create
comprehensible visual presentations in a powerful and effective way.

Data Commentary
While data are best explained using visual and graphic aids, there
is a form of writing that accompanies these data. This is called data
commentary.

In any type of academic writing where data and other findings have to
be reported, data commentaries play an important role. Described as
“stand-alone document,” data commentaries supplement the information
found in a report or thesis; they are used to explain visuals and graphic
aids in the Results or Discussion section. A data commentary consists
of the visual elements (tables, charts, graphs, or illustrations) and the
textual aspect (the information supporting the visuals or graphic aids).
Both support each other to explain the research findings in a clear and
logical way.
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In paragraph form, a data commentary follows this structure: claim, Which part of the data
highlighting element, and results. This is similar to the usual structure commentary is comparable with
of an ordinary paragraph that has a topic sentence, supporting details the thesis statement?
and conclusion. Note the following example:

Figure 2 plots the frequency and type of plagiarism committed according to level

The study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that junior high
school students plagiarized more often than their senior counterparts.
Incidents of plagiarism committed by both groups were recorded and
analyzed in the Summer of Academic Year 2016-2017 through an analysis of
their writings. It was assumed that incidents of plagiarism consisted of the
following: paraphrasing or quoting detail without acknowledging the source;
paraphrasing by changing a few words of the original text; incomplete
bibliographic entries in the reference list and blatant plagiarism or cutting
and pasting sentences, phrases, paragraphs without proper citation.

As shown in the table, the average junior high school student plagiarized
more often than the average senior high school student. Among the seniors,
incomplete bibliographic entries in the reference list were most common.
However, this result does not disprove the theory since this constitutes the
least serious offense compared to other recorded incidents of plagiarism.
More serious offenses such as copying and pasting, and using borrowed
passages without proper referencing were committed by the junior students.

Notice that the data were explained beyond what was shown in the
graph, but which are implied in the data. The commentary rationalized
how the juniors were considered to have committed the more serious
offense. In addition, more information was given in terms of the actual
forms of plagiarism committed by the respondents. The analysis went
beyond the tip of the iceberg and presented the results by combining the
data with an engaging, though unbiased explanation.

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 Data commentaries can also be expressed as title captions:

ANSWERS No.
every other day 1
twice a week 0
once a week 15
once every two weeks 16
once a month 26
whenever necessary 56
never 42
TOTAL 156
Table 1 shows the frequency of consultation of senior high school students.

Figure 1 shows the demographic profile of the participants

Functions of Data Commentaries

As seen above, data commentaries discuss the meaning and implications
of the results of a report or thesis. By means of the data commentary,
the value of a theory or hypothesis is validated in view of the results. In
other words, a data commentary interprets research findings to validate
an argument in support of the research objectives.

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The other functions of data commentaries include the following:

• It compares different findings. The data commentary may evaluate the

differences in research findings, pointing out the reason for the disparity.
The data commentary may point to the fact the variables are different in
one study.

Example: Unlike in Soriano’s study, the respondents are all millennials, which
could account for their fascination with mobile apps.

• It assesses the reliability of data in view of the results. The data commentary
is useful in determining whether the data are reliable in relation to the
method used.

Example: The responses were drawn from a survey questionnaire that

consisted of open-ended, as well as close-ended questions to determine
the respondents’ academic consultation practices.

• It points to something not obvious. The data commentary serves to highlight

an important fact not directly seen in the visuals or graphic aids.
If something is not obvious from
Example: Incidents of plagiarism included the following: paraphrasing or the data, does that make the
quoting passages without acknowledging the source; paraphrasing by data less credible? In cases like
changing a few words of the original text; incomplete bibliographic entries this, how should the researcher
in the reference list and blatant plagiarism or cutting and pasting sentences, extract information and meaning
phrases, paragraphs without proper citation. from the existing data?

Hedging
At times, claims made in data commentaries can be so strong that
they have to be moderated. In debates, strong claims have their merit;
but in the context of academic writing, strong claims are probably
generalizations that may not be 100% accurate at all times. You can How does the use of wrong
lessen their impact by moderating them, using techniques that make words contribute to hasty claims
or sweeping generalizations?
them less hasty and therefore more cautious and acceptable. This
technique is called hedging. Hedging changes the meaning of a sentence,
introducing the element of probability. It also shows the possibility that
the writer may not be too confident about the claim.

Here are some hedging strategies that you can use:

1. Tone down your claim by using words and phrases that suggest a more
balanced perspective.

Strong claim: The residents of Barangay Dos have benefited from the
curfew ordinance.

Toned down claim: The residents of Barangay Dos seem to have

benefited from the curfew ordinance.

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 Toned down claim: It appears that the residents of Barangay Dos have
benefited from the curfew ordinance.

Toned down claim: There is reason to believe that the residents of

Barangay Dos have benefited from the curfew ordinance.

(The words seem, it appears, and there is reason to believe

make the claim less “sweeping.”)

You can also use the verb tend to qualify your generalization.

Strong claim: Exposure to target language certainly makes one fluent.

Toned down claim: Exposure to target language tends to make one’s

way to fluency faster.

2. Qualify your claim by defending your generalization.

Strong claim: Many children of alcoholic fathers have emotional

problems.

Toned down claim: A majority of children of fathers with drinking

issues have a history of emotional problems.

Toned down claim: In most parts of the Philippines and elsewhere,

children of alcoholic fathers have a history of emotional problems.

3. Qualify your claim by adding words signifying exception.

Strong claim: All Internet apps are addictive.

Toned down claim: Certain types of Internet and mobile apps may be
harmful to users.

Toned down claim: In some situations, certain types of Internet and

mobile apps may be harmful to users.
Are words inherently loaded with
meaning, or is it the way they 4. Use a verb that is less conclusive, or weaker.
are used in the sentence that
changes their meaning?
Strong claim: Studies show that red wine prevents cancer.

Toned down claim: Studies show that red wine reduces risk of having
cancer later.

5. Use words that suggest probability.

Strong claim: Sleep deprivation reduces efficiency at work.

Toned down claim: Studies have shown that sleep deprivation may
reduce efficiency at work.

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 6. Use expressions that lend authority to
your claim.

Strong claim: Excessive use of

cellphones could lead to chemical
imbalance in the brain resulting in sleep
deprivation and ultimately, clinical
depression.

Toned down claim: According to a

study by Polly University, excessive use
of cellphones could lead to chemical
imbalance resulting in sleep deprivation
and ultimately, clinical depression.

Guidelines for Writing the Data

Commentary
Do:

• Include highlighting statements in the body of In report writing, even though a picture paints a
your data commentary. As pointed out in the thousand words, it should be properly supplemented
preceding discussion, highlighting statements by an explanation.
include supporting details clarifying the claim.

• Draw generalizations from the details of

the research/survey findings that you can formulate into highlighting
statements. These generalizations are the statements of fact derived from
the research which may be used to support the claim.

• Analyze and present the data sequentially and logically. In a data

commentary, there is no substitute for rational thinking. Therefore, it
would be wise to arrange the ideas in an organized manner.

• Exercise judiciousness and rational thinking when writing highlighting

statements. When writing a data commentary, it would not be wise to make Why is sweeping generalization
hasty generalizations. Just like in other types of academic writing, hasty or referred to as lazy thinking?
sweeping generalization is taboo. It would be best to stick to the facts and
make valid statements that were inferred from the implications.

Don’t: INTEGRATE
How many times have you relied
• Simply translate into words the information found in the visuals or graphic
on graphic aids to supplement
aids. —in visual form—what you
could not explain in words?
• Simply repeat all the data without sufficiently describing them. Knowing the importance of
graphic aids, how then can you
• Attempt to explain more than what is provided by the data. maximize their value in academic
writing?
• Claim more than what you can reasonably defend by means of the findings.

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