How to Organize a Data Table

  • Experiment: you have measured 2 types of variables, qwags and grugs. The data you measured was as follows: Trial 1, q=23.45 & g=6.1, trial 2, q=16.7 & g=4, trial 3, q=11.19 & g=3.1, trial 4, q=19.47 & g=4.8.

  • You begin by organizing your information into a table format:
    23.456.1
    16.74
    11.193.1
    19.474.8

  • Now, take a look at the table. What should be added to make the table clear and complete?
    1. A title should be added
      •"Experimental Determination of Qwags/Grugs"
    2. The trials should to be numbered
      •The table should include all pertinent information for easy reference
    3. Columns should be headed with the measurement's units
      •Without units, numbers are useless. For example, if I measured 12 inches but my data table just said "12", it could be interpreted as 12 feet, 12 meters, 12 miles, or even 12 peanuts!
    4. Last digit uncertainty is missing from measurements
      •All of the data should have the same degree of certainty since they were all measured with the same equipment. For example, if your equipment measures out to the 0.1 of a "qwag", then all of your measurements should have the same degree of certainty (out to the 0.01 spot, remember last digit uncertainty!).

    Your new, complete data table should end up looking more like this:

    Experimental Determination of Qwags/Grugs
    Trial #
    Qwags
    Grugs
    1
    11.19
    3.1
    2
    16.70
    4.0
    3
    19.47
    4.8
    4
    23.45
    6.1

    Modified from Bob Salsa's web page (www.chemistrycoach.com)