Graphics and Images

When preparing your research paper, think about additional types of sources that can be used in your essay. Graphs, images, and other visual arguments can assist you in persuading the reader to accept your thesis. For the Graduation Project paper, students must incorporate one image as a part of the argument.

Look for images (graphs, charts, etc.) that contain information that supports your thesis. Including a picture of a football -- even in a paper about NFL eligibility requirements -- does not effectively contribute to your paper. The visual aide must provide concrete details to supplement your commentary. If you need a reminder about how to mix concrete details with commentary, see the webpage on this site for more information.

Creating Images

If you are having trouble finding the perfect image, create your own with data and information that you discovered during your research. Create a graph or chart; design a visual argument. However, please remember that all researched material (data, etc.) must be still be cited. You can create a graphic in Word or PowerPoint, or you can try Create A Graph or Google's Chart Tools.

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Using Concrete Details from Visuals

In addition to including an image, specific information from the visual must be incorporated into your paper or it serves no purpose for being there. Formal papers should not be decorated with clipart; instead, authors should integrate data or evidence from the image in the argument. The most effective way to do this is to synthesize the material with your commentary to support your thesis. To let the reader know that the concrete details are from the image, you should include "Figure 1" in the sentence and remember to cite your source.

A lot can be learned by studying the economic changes that have occurred in East Asia because their situation has improved so dramatically. While 800 million people were impoverished in 1981, only 300 endure the same challenges of yesteryear (see Fig. 1). Third world nations would benefit from a close analysis of the changes they made.

Figure 1: Data illustrates the number and location of the extremely poor around the world (Sachs).

This is how this would look on the Works Cited page: Sachs, Jeffrey. "Where Are The Extremely Poor?" Chart. Economist's View. University of Oregon. 25                       August 2005. Web. 19 January 2012. Note: Identify the type of image that you're including behind the title of the graphic. Options include -- but are not limited to -- these descriptions: chart, photograph, cartoon, map, advertisement, etc.

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Inserting an Image

The image must include a caption that is placed directly underneath the picture. The caption should begin with "Figure 1" and include this information (if it's available): author's name, a title, date, and source. To get your image in your text:
1. Right-mouse click on the image and select Format Picture.
2. Select "Layout" and "Tight."
3. To add a caption, insert a text box. You can decide whether or not to hide the borders.
4. Remember to cite your image on the Works Cited page. Follow the guidelines for citing an online article, but include the type of image (chart, graph, etc.) behind the title of the image. See the example above.