Topic 3 — Tables, Graphs and Data Analysis

1. Data in ATP

Two Main Types

Quantitative Data

Numerical data.

Examples:

• mass

• temperature

• length

• time

• number of bubbles

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Qualitative Data

Descriptive observations.

Examples:

• colour change

• cloudy solution

• foam formed

• leaf wilted

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2. Constructing Tables

ATP Table Rules

Rule 1

Use ruled lines.

Rule 2

Every column must have heading.

Rule 3

Units go in headings only.

Rule 4

Independent variable first.

Rule 5

Keep decimal places consistent.

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3. Correct Table Example

Temperature / °C	Time taken / s
20	56
30	42
40	21

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4. Wrong Table Example

Temperature	Time
20°C	56s

Why wrong?

• units inside table body

• headings incomplete

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, Educate A Change.

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5. Choosing Correct Graph Type

Line Graph

Use for continuous data.

Examples:

• temperature

• time

• concentration

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Bar Chart

Use for categories.

Examples:

• plant species

• food types

• habitats

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6. Rules for Drawing Graphs

Axes

• x-axis → independent variable

• y-axis → dependent variable

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Scale

• use simple scale

• equal intervals

• use more than half graph paper

Bad scales:
3, 7, 11, 15

Good scales:
0, 5, 10, 15

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Labels

Axes MUST:

• be named

• include units

Correct:
Temperature / °C

Wrong:
Temp

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7. Plotting Points

Rules

• use sharp pencil

• small neat crosses

• plot accurately

Common examiner complaint:
crosses too large

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8. Joining Points

Smooth Curve

Used when:

• biological processes involved

Examples:

• enzyme activity

• photosynthesis

• respiration

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Straight Lines

Only if data truly linear.

Do NOT automatically join dot-to-dot with ruler.

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9. Best-Fit Line

Sometimes line should:

• pass near most points

• ignore anomalies

Do not force line through every point.

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10. Identifying Trends

Increasing Trend

As one variable increases, the other increases.

Example:
“As temperature increased, enzyme activity increased.”

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Decreasing Trend

As one variable increases, the other decreases.

Example:
“As distance increased, light intensity decreased.”

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No Correlation

No clear relationship.

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11. Describing Graphs Properly

Good Description

“As temperature increased from 20°C to 40°C, bubble production increased from 5 to 18 bubbles per minute.”

Uses:

• actual data

• trend

• comparison

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Weak Description

“Bubbles increased.”

Too vague.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, Educate A Change.

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12. Drawing Conclusions

Conclusion Rule

Link:
independent variable → dependent variable

Example:
“Increasing temperature increased enzyme activity up to optimum temperature.”

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Strong Conclusions

Must:

• use data

• answer investigation aim

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13. Anomalous Results

Meaning

Result that does not fit trend.

Possible causes:

• measurement error

• contamination

• timing mistake

• apparatus issue

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14. What To Do With Anomalies

ATP Answers

• repeat reading

• calculate average

• ignore if clearly abnormal

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15. Calculating Mean (Average)

Formula

mean = total ÷ number of readings

Always include:

• units

• correct rounding

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16. Range

Formula

range = highest value − lowest value

Used to:

• judge reliability

Small range:
more reliable

Large range:
less reliable

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17. Reliability From Data

Reliable Data

• repeated values similar

• trend consistent

Improving Reliability

• repeat experiment

• more samples

• average readings

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18. Interpreting Experimental Results

ATP commonly asks:
“Suggest explanation for results.”

Examples:

• enzyme denatured

• photosynthesis increased

• osmosis occurred

• oxygen produced

You must explain scientifically.

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19. Predictions

Rule

Use trend from graph/data.

Example:
If graph rises steadily:
predict next value slightly higher.

Never guess randomly.

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20. Common ATP Data Questions

Questions Often Asked

• complete table

• plot graph

• identify trend

• compare results

• calculate average

• identify anomaly

• suggest conclusion

• explain pattern

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21. Common ATP Graph Mistakes

Mistake 1

Axes reversed

Mistake 2

Missing units

Mistake 3

Uneven scales

Mistake 4

Large plotting crosses

Mistake 5

Bar graph instead of line graph

Mistake 6

Not using enough graph space

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22. Examiner Expectations

High-level ATP answers:

• use scientific terms

• quote figures from data

• identify patterns clearly

• avoid vague wording

• include units correctly

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23. Quick ATP Data Checklist

Before finishing:

• headings present?

• units included?

• graph labelled?

• scale even?

• points accurate?

• conclusion linked to aim?

• calculations correct?

• units written?

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, Educate A Change.