It is possible to illustrate and complement text by figures, tables and pictures or by adding data extracts (quotes). They can improve readability and assist the reader’s comprehension. You can add tables, figures and pictures as appendices if they bring added value but are not compulsory for understanding and interpreting the text. In reports, graphs, charts and diagrams are called as figures and photographs referred as pictures.
All tables and figures should be clear, informative and independently comprehensible. The tables, figures and pictures are numbered consecutively in the order they appear in the text. Write a caption (title) under each table, figure or picture. If it is taken or adapted from a source, add a citation at the end of the caption. Write a data commentary for each table, figure of picture in the paragraph above. Refer to each by their number, for example (Table 15) or “As Figure 2 shows …”. Place tables, figures or pictures so that they do not begin nor end a chapter.
When using figures, tables or pictures copy rights and immaterial rights need to be considered. If pictures are used as decorative images, it is necessary to obtain the author’s permission (with the exception copyright free images). In principle, use only pictures that you have taken or drawn yourself.
In qualitative analysis, data extracts are often used to exemplify and illustrate the findings. In a practice-based thesis you can also use data extracts that describe the operative context. When including data extracts (quotes) that are longer than three lines, indent and use line spacing 1.