Further reading on location

Data commentary in academic writing is an essential aspect of presenting research findings. In this article, we will discuss the three key elements of data commentary: location, highlight, and interpretation or implication. Understanding these elements will enable you to effectively convey your findings in the results section of your research paper.

1. Location: Directing the Reader’s Attention

The location element of data commentary involves directing the reader’s attention to a specific part of the data, such as a figure or table. This element is often descriptive, using language that clearly indicates the relevant data point. It is crucial to use the appropriate voice, tense, and verbs when presenting location elements, as these can vary between active or passive voice and present or past tense. Additionally, certain verbs may be more suitable for figures, tables, or specific voices.

2. Indicative Statements: Providing Descriptive Summaries

Location elements should be followed by an indicative statement, which summarizes the research or data without including personal interpretation. These statements should be descriptive and avoid incorporating analytical language. Indicative statements help to distinguish the evidence itself from the author’s interpretation of the data, which will be discussed in the next section.

3. Informative Statements: Highlighting Interesting Findings

In contrast to indicative statements, informative statements involve personal evaluation and highlight interesting aspects of the data. These statements are more analytical and often incorporate the author’s opinion or judgment. Informative statements are commonly used in the highlight element of data commentary, emphasizing unique or noteworthy findings.

4. Balancing Descriptive and Analytical Language

When writing data commentary, it is essential to balance descriptive and analytical language. Location elements and indicative statements should generally be more descriptive, while highlight elements and informative statements should be relatively more analytical. By clearly distinguishing between these types of statements, you can effectively communicate your research findings and demonstrate a thorough understanding of data commentary in your academic writing.