Presentation and Interpretation of Data

Fig. 2. A diagram illustrating the presentation and interpretation of data obtained from a bioavailability assay developed by Guerin and Boyd (1992). 

Peer review is also intended to help authors. External review can help improve the presentation and interpretation of data alike, and ultimately, the research. Clearly and succinctly describing a scientific study is challenging, and reviewers provide valuable feedback. Few manuscripts are so well written that they are accepted without revision. Data and interpretation that seem clear to authors are not always comprehensible to readers. Scientific research is both competitive and cooperative at its best, peer review is a part of the cooperative process. For example, after evaluating data, a reviewer may suggest an alternative explanation or additional experiments that trigger ideas for further research. Also, a reviewer pointing out an error can save an author the embarrassment of subsequently publishing a correction. 

If the statistical fluctuations discussed above, the human factor introduced by the technician doing the work, as well as the differences in presentation and interpretation of data by various test methods are all taken into consideration, it seems extremely difficult to obtain reliable and reproducible results. This conjecture was proved some time ago with a very interesting, but also very shocking, diagram. Figure 23.1 shows twenty-one (21) particle size distribution curves in a probability log diagram. The cumulative percent undersize is plotted versus the measured particle size in micrometers. 

Chapman, P.M. (1996). Presentation and interpretation of Sediment Quality Triad data. Ecotoxicology, 5,327-339. 

This chapter contains descriptions and evaluations of studies and interpretation of data on the health effects associated with exposure to isophorone. Its purpose is to present levels of significant exposure for isophorone based on toxicological studies, epidemiological investigations, and... 

There is much to be learned about carbohydrate ionization. Only now are chemists breaking the surface to gain this understanding. Simple explanations for chemical behavior will not always suffice because with carbohydrates the systems are much too complex. Some of the concepts and interpretations of data presented here may be incorrect. A more accurate and detailed description of carbohydrate ionization in alkaline solution, however, will be possible only after much additional research. 

Studies of the effect of temperature on the rates of coupled chemical reactions are characterized by a great deal of complexity and subtlety, so we have chosen to emphasize this type of application in this presentation of examples of experimental techniques and interpretation of data. 

In presentation and interpretation of results, NARL aims for objectivity, clear presentation, and statistical data treatment that is transparent to participants, internationally accepted and metrologically sound. Sources of chemical standards, statements concerning traceability and estimates of measurement uncertainty are included in the study report. 

Chapman PM. 1996. Presentation and interpretation of sediment quality triad data. Ecotoxicol 5 327-339. 

CYP 1A2 and CYP 3A4 mediated metabolism, is presented in the Protocol Outline below. For the purposes of simplicity, the description is limited to the collection, handling, and interpretation of data pertinent to the assessment of potential drug mediated effects on CYP 1A2 and CYP 3A4 mediated metabolism, although other parameters were also studied. 

In view of the commercial importance of active carbons, it is not surprising that a great deal of attention has been given to the presentation and interpretation of adsorption data Much of the discussion in the literature has been concerned with the derivation of the internal and external surface area and the micropore and mesopore size... 

Analysis and interpretation of data from occupational exposure studies present numerous challenges. In order to facilitate review sharing and consistent decisionmaking, it is important that consistent approaches to data analysis be adopted. Areas where there is currently divergence in approaches, or no clearly outlined approach, are noted below. 

Droplet size (jc) in microns Fig. 3.13 Presentation and interpretation of microscope data. 

A9.1.10 For many organic substances, the testing and interpretation of data present no problems... 

We will present flow-rate, particulate dry weight, and particulate-calcium data from selected MULVFS and LVFS stations to (1) further document the sampling performance of the MULVFS and (2) demonstrate one application of large-volume in situ filtration to understanding the processes governing the distributions of particulate matter in a productive environment. Detailed presentation and interpretation of warm core ring data are outside the scope of this chapter. 

Jonscher AK. Presentation and interpretation of dielectric data. Thin Solid Films 1978 50 187-204. 

For surface analysis all SECM modes—the feedback, generation/collection, and direct modes—have been used to visualize lateral differences in heterogeneous electron transfer properties. At this point, we shall briefly review a few aspects of surface imaging concerning the acquisition and interpretation of data that are relevant for most experiments before presenting individual studies. Details of SECM imaging are discussed in Chapter 4. 

The materials chosen for obstacles, polycarbonate (PC) and nylon-6, had elastic properties very similar to those of the epoxy matrix, so that stress concentrations would not be present and the analysis and interpretation of data would be simplified. All rods and spheres were solvent-cleaned and then thoroughly dried prior to their inclusion in the specimens to prevent plasticization of adjacent epoxy by diffusion of water from the rods during curing of the epoxy. Interparticle spacings (R/L, as defined in Figure 1) of 0.125, 0.187, and 0.250 were used, corresponding to equivalent volume fractions of approximately 0.06, 0.14, and 0.27. 

If I am not totally comfortable with my level of knowledge of the subject, I read some of the references cited by the author. Sometimes I suggest references that the author has overlooked. If I detect errors or omissions in the presentation or interpretation of data, I note these in my review and, if... 

Wright T.L., 1974, Presentation and interpretation of chemical data for igneous rocks. Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., 48, 233-248. 

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