Figure 25 At a science fair, students communicate what knowledge they have gained by using scientific methods.
Communicating Data
A crucial part of any scientific investigation is reporting the results. 
Scientists can communicate results by writing in scientific journals or speaking at conferences. Scientists also exchange information through conversations, e-mails, and Web sites. Young scientists often present their research at science fairs like the one in Figure 25.
Different scientists may interpret the same data differently. This important notion is the basis for peer review, a process in which scientists examine other scientists' work. Not only do scientists share research with their peers, but they also invite feedback from those peers. Peer review encourages comments, suggestions, questions, and criticism from other scientists. Peer review can also help determine if data were reported accurately and honestly. Based on their peers' responses, the scientists who submitted their work for review can then reevaluate how to best interpret their data.
Section 1.4 Assessment
Reviewing Concepts
- How do scientists organize data?
- How can scientists communicate experimental results?
What does a given point represent on a line graph?
The density of copper is 8.92 g/cm3. If you plotted the mass of copper in grams versus the volume in cubic centimeters, what would the slope of the line be?
Critical Thinking
Comparing and Contrasting When would you choose a line graph to present data? When would you choose a bar graph?
Using Tables and Graphs Count the number of students in your class with blue eyes, brown eyes, and green eyes. Display these data in a table and bar graph.
Connecting Concepts
Scientific Methods Reread the description of scientific methods in Section 1.2. Then write a paragraph explaining which steps in a scientific method might require data to be organized. (Hint: You might use information diagrammed in Figure 7.)
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