a. Different Types of Tables. There are two different types of
tables used to present statistical data: generalpurpose and special
purpose. You can use either type of table to supplement charts, graphs,
and text presenting difficult or complex data.
(1) Generalpurpose table (figure 154). This type of table
presents a wide range of data on a specific subject, and is not the type
of table requiring viewers to read the entire table to understand the
data it presents. When designing a generalpurpose table, you arrange
the data so the reader can readily find the different data entries.
Think of a generalpurpose table as a "figure file" where the reader
finds data using the same procedures used when finding a word in a
dictionary.
Figure 154. Generalpurpose table
(2) Specialpurpose table (figure 155). A specialpurpose table
shows selected data arranged to focus the reader's attention on
important comparisons and relationships. For the reader to understand
the data presented in this type of table, they must read the entire
table. Usually you find this type of table with text and used as part
of a summary.
b. Constructing a Table. To prepare a table, you start with the
sketch or details on the VI work order and draw a rough draft of the
table. Keep refining the rough draft until you
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