Presenting Scientific Data Overview

Presenting Scientific Data

• Scientific investigations gather data about the natural world, often with applications in medicine, technology, or renewable energy.
• Scientists share findings through scientific papers, presentations, and talks.
• Data is not just emailed; it's presented in a structured format.

Selecting Media

• The method of presenting data depends on the audience.
• Scientists publish in scientific journals for other scientists.
• Students might use a similar format for lab reports.
• At conferences, scientists may use slideshows or videos.
• Scientific information must be conveyed to the public using clear methods like videos, diagrams, or news articles.

Acknowledging Sources

• Acknowledging prior work is crucial, even if you produced all data.
• Introductions of scientific publications often outline previous research.
• References of previous work are needed for accuracy and proper attribution.
• Citations in the text refer to specific sources in the references section (using author's name and publication date in parentheses or numbers matching references).

Using Symbols and Formulas

• Using symbols and formulas often clarifies relationships better than simply writing out words.
• This is particularly relevant for mathematical or computational parts.
• Symbols used need specific and clear definitions in the writing.

Pictorial Representations

• Visual aids like diagrams and graphics can greatly enhance understanding complex processes or data.
• Pictures are helpful when describing complicated signaling pathways or anatomical parts.
• Consider if a picture adds unique value over text, whether there's a mental image while you explain data, and whether it helps readers unfamiliar with your content.

Graphs

• Graphs highlight relationships between variables effectively.
• They reveal trends not easily seen in data tables or written descriptions (e.g., trends over time).
• Specific graphs (line, bar, scatter, pie charts) suit various data types.
• Line graphs show trends over time, can connect points directly, or show a line of best fit to assess correlation between variables or to define equations between them.
• A line of best fit is useful with varying data tending toward a trend.