Data Analysis and Reporting

Start with interpreting a graph

The note “Analysing and Interpreting Data on Disease” is a starting point for reading results. It asks you to find where zero falls, explain what that means, and describe the trend of lines on a graph up to their maximum point. It also prompts you to compare the lines.

Work through those prompts in order. First identify what you can see, then describe the trend and differences. Use the questions in the note to check whether your description addresses the graph.

Study secondary data and reports

The slides on secondary data introduce data that is already available and give reasons why people cannot always carry out their own experiments. Flashcard decks on the same subject ask about those reasons and mention sources and web domains.

Next, use the practical report flashcards to review the parts of a report. Their questions cover headings, purpose, hypotheses and materials. Another deck also covers procedures and conclusions. Read a question, answer it in your own words, then check the card before moving on.

Connect the map and flashcards

The mind map covers hypotheses, variables and anomalous results. Look at its prompts after studying the report flashcards: both include hypotheses, so you can compare how the resources ask you to think about them. Return to the flashcards to practice recalling report components without looking at the map.

There are also flashcards on biology calculations, including percentage change and magnification. These offer a different way to practice working with data on this page.

Place the topic in the unit

Data Analysis and Reporting is a section of Scientific Method and Laboratory Skills in Biology and natural sciences. The resources on this page connect graph interpretation, secondary data and report writing within that unit. Choose a resource to explore, then use another format to revisit what it covers.