Research Tools 11 — Scientific Figures: Explain the Evidence
Scientific Figures: Explain the Evidence
Choose the graph that answers your research question.
Matplotlib is free; other tools varyMatplotlib, MATLAB, and other plotting tools turn data into figures. Use a scatter plot for relationships, a line plot for change, and a distribution plot to show variation. Choose the form because of the evidence, not decoration.
Label axes with quantities and units. Make labels readable at the final publication size. Explain symbols and uncertainty in the caption. If error bars represent standard deviation, say so; do not leave readers guessing.
Use colour with shapes or line patterns so that meaning survives greyscale printing. Avoid three-dimensional effects that make values hard to compare.
Keep the plotting script with the data and export in the format requested by the journal. Vector formats can keep lines and text sharp.
Remember: disclose transformations and axis choices. Never change a graph simply to exaggerate an effect.
Try it · 2 minutes
A figure labels its horizontal axis “Time.” What information is missing?
Show a model answer
The unit, such as seconds or hours. The caption should also explain the measurement and relevant conditions.