Biology 226 Lab
Figure Analysis Guidelines
Assignment Summary
You will write an analysis of a figure or table from a primary literature article (you must use one
of the articles provided by the instructor). You will critically analyze this single figure or table to
address the hypothesis/question tested, methods utilized to collect the data, important patterns in
the data and the significance of the findings illustrated in the figure/table. It may be useful to
refer to Chapter 3-4 of the Pechenik for hints on reading and interpreting the literature. Your
report should follow the following format:
Double-spaced
1-inch margins
12-point font
Total length should not exceed 1 page (excluding figure or table, which should be included at the
end of the analysis).
Select what you think is the most interesting or most important data set—either one figure or one
table. You will build the entire analysis around that ONE figure or table.
In your analysis, you should do the following:
• Start by introducing the general topic, including a bit of background, and then lead to the
specific hypothesis/question addressed by that ONE figure in the paper. By the time you
state the specific question addressed, the reader should understand why the
hypothesis/question was worth addressing.
• State that hypothesis/question very clearly.
• Then tell how just that part of the study was conducted.
• Include the figure or table, and describe the patterns of importance.
• Draw conclusions from this part of the study. What are the most important or interesting
findings revealed by the table or graph?
• Suggest what next question might follow logically from the data you have presented.
Figure Analysis #1 Due: Friday, April 7
Figure Analysis # 2 Due: Friday, May 19
BIOL 226 FIGURE ANALYSIS GRADING RUBRIC
Student’s Name ___________________________
Background and Hypothesis / Question
The general topic and background of the article is described, followed by the _____/5 pts.
hypothesis / question addressed in the figure / table.
Comments:
Methods
Accurate, organized narrative of the methods used to collect the data in the figure. _____/5 pts.
Comments:
Results
The figure / table is included at the end of the analysis. Patterns in the data are _____/5 pts.
clearly articulated
Comments:
Conclusions and next steps
Conclusions generated from the figure / table are described in relation to the question / _____/5 pts.
hypothesis. The most important findings are described. Future questions or studies are presented.
Comments:
Formatting/Style
Analysis follows formatting guidelines; writing is free of grammatical/usage errors, has _____/5 pts.
logical flow, and is concise.
Comments:
Total Score _____/25 pts.