8-1
Effective Figures and Tables
Overview
Making figures and tables can be the first step in writing your paper. You may make your figures and tables before you start to write — for instance, when you plan talks about your work. In fact, making figures and tables can be thought of as part of the scientific process; it can help you analyze and organize your data to write the paper. The purpose of figures and tables is to best present your data so that their meaning is easily understood by readers. Figures usually show results, although they can show methods and conclusions (such as a model you propose from your data). Although the text of your paper should not repeat information in the figures and tables, the text should introduce or refer to all your figures and tables at least once each. The order of your figures and tables will be determined by the order in which they are mentioned in the text. Republishing figures and tables: If you wish to reuse or adapt a figure or table that was previously published, you may need to obtain permission. Check the publication for its copyright and licensing information. Under the traditional publishing model, if the publisher holds the copyright, you will need to get permission to reuse a figure or table. Permission is needed even if you were the author of the previous publication; a fter you transfer copyright, you no longer “own” your previous work and usually cannot reuse it without the permission of the current copyright holder. Publishers are increasingly using a copyright model that allows reuse (such as a Creative Commons license). In such cases, you may be able to reuse or adapt the material without permission as long as the previous publication is cited in the figure legend or in a credit line beneath the table.
Please note: All data presented in the figures and tables in this chapter are fictitious unless a source is cited.
Writing and Publishing Scientific Articles Research Medical Library
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The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
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