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Data Visualization: Preparing Abstracts

Abstracts

LC DataStories requires students to prepare an abstract to accompany their data visualization.  Think of an abstract as a figure legend written for a public audience.  

Key abstract components

Successful abstracts typically do the following:

1. Clearly state the result illustrated by the visualization

2. Provide the contextual details necessary to understand how the data were generated or obtained

3. Make a statement as to the relevance of the work

4. Speak in plain, non-technical language

 

To ensure you are successfully translating your work for a public audience, try showing your abstract to a family member or peer outside of your class and be sure they can fully understand the story your visualization + abstract are telling.

 

Follow this link to view a sample visualization and abstract.