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Term
Definition
3-D graphics
A statistical presentation technique that adds interest to obscure
data and permits you to compare three or more variables from the
sample in one chart; types: column, ribbon, wire frame, and
surface line.
Area charts
A statistical presentation technique used for time series and
frequency distributions over time; a.k.a. stratum or surface charts.
Bar charts
A statistical presentation technique that represents frequency
data as horizontal or vertical bars; vertical bars are most often
used for time series and quantitative classifications (histograms,
stacked bar, and multiple variable charts are specialized bar
charts).
Executive summary
(final report)
This document is written as the last element of a research report
and is either a concise summary of the major findings,
conclusions and recommendations or can be a report-in-miniature
covering all aspects in abbreviated form.
Extemporaneous
presentation
An oral presentation technique made from minimal notes or an
outline, with a more conversational style.
Letter of transmittal
An element of the final report, this letter refers to the authorization
for the project and any specific instructions or limitations placed
on the study and states the purpose and scope of the study; not
necessary for internal projects.
Line graphs
A statistical presentation technique used for time series and
frequency distributions over time.
Management report
A report written for the non-technically oriented manager or client.
Pace
A measure of comprehensibility, the rate at which the printed
page presents information to the reader; it should be slower when
the material is complex, faster when the material is
straightforward.
Pictographs (geographics)
A statistical presentation technique that uses pictorial symbols to
represent frequency data rather than a bar in a bar-type chart; the
symbol has an association with the subject of the statistical
presentation and one symbol represents a specific count of that
variable.
Pie charts
A statistical presentation technique that uses sections of a circle
(slices of a pie) to represent 100 % of a frequency distribution of
the subject being graphed; not appropriate for changes over time.
Readability indexes
Indexes that measure the difficulty level of written material; e.g.
Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch Kincaid Grade Level,
Gunning's Fog Index; most word-processing programs calculate
one or several of the indexes.
Sentence outline
One of two types of outlines normally used in the pre-writing
phase of report development, uses complete sentences rather
than key words or phrases to draft each report section.
Technical report
A report written for an audience of researchers.
Topic outline
One of two types of outlines normally used in the pre-writing
phase of report development, uses key words or phrases rather
than complete sentences to draft each report section.
Visual aids
Presentation tools used to facilitate understanding of content (e.g.
chalkboards, whiteboards, handouts, flip charts, overhead
transparencies, slides, computer-drawn visuals, computer
animation).