Even though there is only one table being referenced, does it make more sense, stylistically, to reference this one table as 'Table 1", instead of simply "Table"? Presumably a journal style guide and a journal's standard should be taken into consideration as well? Any comments or opinions are appreciated.
The convention is generally to number tables but this is not true in all journals and - as you say - can usually be resolved by looking at the style guide. If you are still unsure the best thing to do is look at previous articles in the journal you are submitting to and follow the same pattern. If there are no previous articles with just one table then use the convention most commonly upheld (i.e. numbers, letters, etc.) even though there is only one of the item.
The convention is generally to number tables but this is not true in all journals and - as you say - can usually be resolved by looking at the style guide. If you are still unsure the best thing to do is look at previous articles in the journal you are submitting to and follow the same pattern. If there are no previous articles with just one table then use the convention most commonly upheld (i.e. numbers, letters, etc.) even though there is only one of the item.
I agree with Laura. I would also like to point out that by numbering, if you have to revise the paper and add a second table, it is easier if the first table is already numbered. (No, actually the reason for numbering the single table is to prove that you are a numerate researcher and have mastered auto-numbering of tables!)
This is mainly when you have a short communication article or a letter to editor, anyway, it is not a major, but usually every table or figure should have a number regardless how much you have and should also have a title and legend for each tabele or figure to illustrate data included in.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Education
- Higher Education
- Academic Writing