Dissertation Tables – Rules and Standards

03.12.22 Dissertation tips Time to read: 5min

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Dissertation-tables-Definition

Are you writing a dissertation that deals with a lot of complex data? It’s often worthwhile presenting your hard work in tables to save time, space, and reader confusion.

Well-placed dissertation tables make complicated datasets easier to read and use in future research. Dissertation tables simplify otherwise unclear topics, clarify context, and connect up obtuse data points.

Dissertation Tables – In a Nutshell

  • This article revoles around the purpose of dissertation tables.
  • How to create, edit, and place dissertation tables in Microsoft Word.
  • How to label, note, and cite a dissertation table.
  • The key strengths and features of dissertation tables.

Definition: Dissertation tables

Dissertation tables display blocks in labeled rows and columns, creating cross-referenced data grids. Each table is a concise guide to a set.

The most common use of dissertation tables is to summarize crucial experimental results in a readable way. Another benefit of dissertation tables is to illustrate points and arguments.

You can also use dissertation tables to reiterate “common” knowledge from other sources useful for context (e.g. dates, places, figures).1 2

Dissertation tables: Deciding where to put one

Dissertation tables can appear in-text or in an appendix next to the bibliography at the end of your work.

Placement: Body (In-text)

Pros

• Catches attention immediately
• Directly illustrates and reinforces the point just made
• Easy to reference
• Punctuates monotonous sections
Cons

• Extensive or lengthy dissertation tables might better suit the appendix
• Tables can clutter work and break formatting
• Too many in-text tables can cause readers to skip vital points
• Tricky to place appropriately in abstract prose

Placement: Appendix (End of text)

Pros

• Great for avoiding oversimplification
• Improve readability
• Showcases lengthy and multi-page tables better
• Saves valuable in-text space
Cons

• Appendix space is finite - editing is essential
• Casual readers may miss content
• Contextual tables might fare better as immediate references
• Well-illustrated points made post-argument may not land
Tips for the final format revision of your thesis

Adjusting the format according to your university’s requirements is typically the final step. After several times of proofreading, many become blinkered to their own work and miss formatting mistakes. A 3D Look inside function representing the real-life version that can be edited virtually creates a fresh eye for formatting mistakes and helps you to detect them again.

Open your eyes with this function for free!

Dissertation tables: Creating your tables

Microsoft Word uses an automatic function to insert blank tables. The app will create any templates you need from scratch. You can find it under the “Insert” or “Tables” tab on the top control bar.1

1. Click and choose from the options underneath. These will determine the font style and size, and the number of rows and columns.

2. If need be, Word also includes quick-select grids, pre-made templates, and the ability to insert filled-in mockups from other office software (e.g. Excel).1

Dissertation tables in Word 2

3. A table will appear under your cursor. You can then fill in your data and headings or insert them.

4. Click on “Table Tools” in the menu bar to adjust the design and layout of your table.

Dissertation tables in Word 3
Dissertation tables in Word 4

4. To change the font and text style, choose “Home” in the menu bar.

Dissertation tables in Word 5

5. Click-and-drag and cut-and-paste will let you reposition the table.1

6. Keep your dissertation table formatting (i.e. font, borders, sizing) as consistent as possible.

7. A regulated style adds polish, stops formatting breaks, and helps prevent jarring visual changes.1

8. Word contains a dedicated manager for managing table formatting. You can either save your preferences or select from pre-designed styles.1

Dissertation tables: APA example

Unsure which formatting to choose? Professional style guides (e.g. APA style, MLA) contain precise criteria that show how a dissertation table should be formatted.

Use the APA example below to get started.2

Dissertation tables APA example

Dissertation tables: Numbering and titling

For each unique table you create, give it a name and number so you can keep track of it. Keep it simple – assigning Table 1, 2, 3 (and so on) usually works well.

Adding a short description of what the table depicts as a sub-heading is also good. Punchy, uniform labels help add context and continuity.1

Automatic numbering

Microsoft Word can also sequentially number tables automatically. The app-controlled numbering helps prevent unfortunate mistakes and duplicate labels.1

  • Click on the “Reference” tab and then select “Insert Caption” (Options: Table) to mark the start of a table.
  • Do this for every table you create. Word will track table positions and update the numbers as you go.1
Dissertation tables automatic numbering 1
Dissertation tables automatic numbering 2
Dissertation tables automatic numbering 3
  • Word can also automatically create a (current) list of dissertation tables for you.
  • Use the “Insert Table of Figures” function under the “Reference” tab once done.1
Dissertation tables automatic numbering 4

Titling

For dissertation table titles, always make a clear, standalone statement of no longer than a few words. Every table title should (ideally) require no additional explanation.1 2

Different style guides have different rules for titles. APA requires each title to appear right after the number (e.g. Table 1 – Q1 Sales) above the table. MLA recommends that you place the text directly below the initial number instead.1 2

A word of caution. Microsoft Word cannot automatically assign the description title you want after an automatic table mark. Take care to write a unique subheading each time.1

How to avoid point deductions

Point deductions can also be caused when citing passages that are not written in your own words. Don’t take a risk and run your paper through our online plagiarism checker. You will receive the results in only 10 minutes and submit your paper with confidence.

To the plagiarism checker

Dissertation tables: Clarifying with a note

Need to add any extra information about your dissertation tables? You can always use a note.

A table note is a short prose footnote that explains context or meaning in greater detail. You can also use it to show extra information (e.g. P and R values) or expand abbreviations.

Tables copied from another source should always include a linking footnote (as with articles or books). Notation for published sources is mandatory.1

Tables from other sources

Using a note to correctly reference any tables imported to your dissertation from other sources gives credit to researchers, avoids accusations of plagiarism, and points to valuable work elsewhere.

How to correctly reference your dissertation tables depends on the type of source you used. Use these fictional (APA) templates and examples as a guide.1 2

Journal article

APA Style Format for Note Note (italicized). Reprinted from "Article Title", by Author [Surname, First Initial (X.)], Year, Journal Name (italicized), Journal Volume, Page Number(s) [p.X].
Note Example Note. Reprinted from "Dissertation Tables: Examples", by Able, T., 2002, Reference Studies, 1, p.3.

Book

APA Style Format for Note Note. Reprinted from "Book Title" (italicized), by Author [Surname, First Initial (X.)], Year, Page Number(s) [p.X], Publication City, Publication Location: Publisher.
Note Example Note. Reprinted from The Big Book of Dissertation Tables, by Able, T., 2002, p.45, London, GB: Nonesuch University Press.

Dissertation tables: Referencing in-text

Don’t reprint a dissertation table each time you reference it! It’s simpler, faster, and easier to refer back to existing examples.

You can do this within the dissertation text without a footnote if you’re clear on what you’re referencing. Instead of saying something like:

My first set of experimental results showed…

Try using:

Table 1 clearly shows that…

If your table appears in an appendix? Include the name of the appendix and the name of the table (e.g. Table 1, Appendix 1) in brackets every time.1 2

Cross-references

Cross-references in Word are intelligent blocks of text that will always link back to the same table with the correct (current) title. Fixed cross-referencing helps remove worries about any sudden number or order changes.1

You can place a cross-reference in Word by clicking on the Insert tab and then on the option “Cross Reference”. From there, select what kind of linked name you’d like and the table you’re linking up in-text.1

Dissertation tables cross-references 1
Dissertation tables cross-references 2

Dissertation tables: Final checklist

  • Each table should have a clear, sequential, numbered title.
  • Dissertation tables should show only appropriate, contextual, and relevant data.
  • Dissertation tables should be readable, attractive, and correctly placed.
  • Every reprinted table should be fully referenced.

FAQs

  • Relevant
  • Readable
  • Reliably referenced

Yes.

  1. Right-click on your table
  2. Select Table Tool: Layout
  3. Use the pop-up window to select your sort criteria

No. Other features (charts, lists, graphs) may better illustrate your data.

Yes, if left unreferenced. Any table reproduced (in part or full) without due credit counts.

Sources

1 Basu, Saikat. “8 Formatting Tips for Perfect Tables in Microsoft Word.” MakeUseOf.com. August 04, 2021. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-formatting-tips-perfect-tables-microsoft-word/.

2 Dissertation Editor. “How to Format Tables per APA Style.” May 23, 2014. https://www.dissertation-editor.com/blog/post/how-to-format-tables-per-apa-style.