Module 5 Key Terms and Definitions

abstract: a brief, comprehensive survey summarizing contents of an empirical manuscript or professional report, presented at the front of a manuscript.

bar chart: a figure used in graphically reporting univariate statistics for a categorical variable (frequency count for each category represented in a bar or column).

bubble chart: a form of scatterplot chart (two variables) with a third variable reflected in the size of the data points (dots or bubbles).

citation: identification of the source of information used in report, manuscript, or presentation, allows audiences to evaluate the information and/or locate the original source for themselves.

confused verb tense: a problematic writing practice where two or more different verb tenses are used in the same sentence, clause, or paragraph.

Creative Commons: a public copyright license whereby the creator of a freely distributed work specifies how that work can be shared, used, or modified by others.

discussion: final section in the body of an empirical manuscript or professional report where results are briefly summarized, conclusions and interpretations are presented, strengths and limitations are analyzed, and implications of the results are presented.

findings: like study results, the findings might be presented in a professional report.

histogram: a figure used to graphically represent the frequency with which each value for a variable is represented in the data; reflection of data distribution for a variable.

infographic: a clear, concise visual tool for demonstrating a key point of information, data, or knowledge.

initial or executive summary: similar to an abstract, a summary of the contents of a professional report presented at the front of the report.

introduction: opening section of an empirical manuscript or professional report that introduces the topic/problem, surveys and critiques existing literature, and states study aims/research questions/hypotheses.

line graph: a figure used to graphically represent the relationship between two variables (the “x” and “y” axes), often used to depict trends over time (time as the “x” axis) or other demonstrations of change.

methodology: detailed description in an empirical manuscript or professional report that describes how a study or project was conducted and sources/methods of data collection; includes descriptions of study approach/design, study participants, and measurement tools/procedures.

parallel construction: a writing technique where two or more sentences, clauses, phrases, paragraphs, or sections have the same grammatical structure.

paraphrase: using different words to reflect the meaning of someone else’s ideas, writing, or verbalized speech, usually to either clarify or summarize what was originally stated.

pie chart: a figure used to graphically represent the univariate statistic of proportions for a categorical variable (proportion for each category represented in a “slice” or “wedge” of the pie).

plagiarism: using someone else’s words or ideas without properly identifying them as belonging to that person rather than being one’s own.

put people first: a “use of language” practice using descriptors that begin with the person rather than a condition, circumstances, or label.

recommendations: part of the final discussion in a professional report where conclusions are offered in terms of advisable actions or next steps based on the project findings.

reference: full information about a resource, usually one cited in a manuscript or report, providing sufficient detail that readers can evaluate the source and/or locate the source for themselves.

results: section of an empirical manuscript or professional report where data analysis procedures and their outcomes are described.

scale: the units used in a graph, chart, or other figure where the distance between points has systematic meaning in numerical terms.

scatterplot: a figure used to graphically represent the relationship between two variables (the “x” and “y” axes), often used to depict the strength and direction of their correlation or association.

SmartArt: a tool available in Word® and PowerPoint® with ready-made templates for creating figures.

Venn diagram: a type of figure depicting the existence or extent/degree of overlap between different groups, constructs, themes, ideas, or events where what is shared in common is represented in the area of overlap; usually constructed from circles, ovals, or spheres, but may be formed from other geometric shapes.