3P.4—Presenting data

Choose a scientific format that matches the data: a labelled table for exact values, a graph for trends, a bar chart for categories and a plan or biological drawing for structure and location.

Give variables and units, use a meaningful scale, include uncertainty or error bars when available, label axes and keep significant figures consistent. A title should state what was measured and under which conditions.

A rate–temperature graph should place temperature on the independent axis, rate on the dependent axis, use units and show repeated-measure variation; a stem plan diagram should show tissue positions rather than invented cell detail.

A neat graph cannot compensate for mismatched units or a misleading scale. Do not connect points or infer a trend when the design or data do not justify it.