Tables are an essential part of the presentation of primary and secondary data in a research paper. Onieva-Zafra, Castro-Sánchez, Matarán-Peñarrocha & Moreno-Lorenzo’s (2013) study has the easiest to understand tables whereby data is simplified further into various columns. Such categorization allows the reader to grasp the intended purpose of such tables and the value of the data in the tables.
The tables in Tse, Leung & Ho’s (2012) study is arguably the more difficult to understand given that it employs no colors or categorization of columns. For instance, the tables in the study have only two columns and thus lack simplification. Also, the authors' group information in sections that should be organized in separate columns.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The size of the table determines the understandability of any given information. Papers with relatively small tables are far easier to comprehend than those with long tables. A good point in case, when making comparisons of the two studies, is that the tables in Onieva-Zafra et al.’s (2013) study are easily comprehensible since they are short and precise. The case for Tse, Leung & Ho’s (2012) paper, however, is different in that the tables are exceedingly too long, thus making information difficult to understand.
Additionally, labelling a table or use of colors affects how ell readers understand information significantly. The labeling style employed in Tse, Leung & Ho’s (2012) paper is precise and detailed enough to direct the reader of the purpose of each table. The authors use concise captions after each label. Subsequently, the labels used in Onieva-Zafra et al. (2013) article contain colors and more descriptive notes at the bottom of each table, thereby making them more understandable.
Further, it is vital to note the categorization of data within columns and rows in a table. Such an organization may influence the attractiveness of a given table. Also, one should ensure that the data within such tables are present uniformly. For instance, it is essential to use a content number of decimal points in every table. Uniformity can go a long way to making a table more presentable and comprehensible.
References
Onieva-Zafra, M. D., Castro-Sánchez, A. M., Matarán-Peñarrocha, G. A., & Moreno-Lorenzo, C. (2013). Effect of music as nursing intervention for people diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Pain Management Nursing , 14 (2), e39-e46.
Tse, M., Leung, R., & Ho, S. (2012). Pain and psychological well‐being of older persons living in nursing homes: An exploratory study in planning patient‐centred intervention. Journal of advanced nursing , 68 (2), 312-321.
