Presenting Results

During an experiment, quantitative (values) or qualitative (descriptions) data will be noted down. These should be presented in a manner that is neat, structured and easy to understand. The data can organized into a table and a graph. 

Constructing a table (for qualitative and quantitative data)

1. Assign the first column for the independent variable and the second column for the dependent variable (i.e., the variable for which you will be collecting data). 

2. At times, you will be required conduct the experiment more than once for a particular condition (i.e., conduct replicates). Hence, you will have to split your second column into more columns for the multiple readings. 

3. Since you have >1 reading recorded, you must calculate the average of the multiple readings. Hence, add another column for that value.

4. If you have to do further calculations (e.g., calculate rate from the time taken), include yet another column for the processed data.

Take not of the following:

• Write column headings in full with the correct units.

• Data must be recorded in the correct precision (based on the apparatus used). 

• ALL the table lines are completely drawn.

Plotting a graph (for quantitative data)

👁️‍🗨️ The video below shows how graphs should be plotted. 

Note that the mark scheme is not for the Singapore-Cambridge syllabus, and that for our context:

1) The statement 'plot [dependent variable] against the [independent variable]' always refers to the dependent variable being on y-axis and the independent variable being on the x-axis.

2) The line/curve-of best fit should be drawn (i.e., points plotted should not be joined point-to-point).