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How Do You Prepare A Research
Poster?
The purpose of a research poster is to present
information on current research that often is not totally complete
or to present information on methods of observations that are the
result of ongoing research. By presenting information on research
during its infancy, problem areas can be discussed with peers and
methods can be adjusted to give optimum results. The difficulty
arises in reaching a large number of people with the message during
a time when they are bombarded with new information. To accomplish
this task, common sense and a few visual considerations will take
precedence.
Considerations in Posters
Type
Size
This is critical! Posters should be legible from a
distance of about 3 to 4 feet. This is to prevent crowding around
small print which can discourage others that are interested. A good
rule of thumb is to use a 16 to 18 point type for the text. If
desired, text for the legends may be slightly larger, but not
smaller. Don’t forget to include a copy of your abstract. Many
meetings ask that this be the first item in the
poster.
Photos and Drawings
These should be of
sufficient size to be visible from a distance — 3x3 photos are
probably the smallest to use, and 4x5 photos are a good size.
Drawings are best if at least 8x10. The advantage of using these
sizes is that they are standard paper sizes and are compatible with
many computer generated programs.
Color and
Background
I still like to mount my poster on matte board
rather than just using the white sheets straight from the printer. I
find the colors can enhance the message by making the results more
attractive to the casual eye. This, then, brings the observer in to
the poster to look for more details in the text. The use of colored
poster board also is more pleasing to eyes that have been scanning
several hundred posters. To make the poster easier to manage, cut
the poster board into 9.5x12 pieces (a convenient size to mount an
8.5x11 sheet of paper on with a 1” border) or 9x11 if mounting
prints. These will often fit easily into a brief case or carry-on
bag for transportation. Never package the poster separately for
airline transportation! The safest way to transport a poster is in
your hands.
Title
The title is the same as on your
abstract. This is usually a fairly complete description of the
problem. The title should be legible from at least 6’ away from the
poster. Label the back of each board in the order it should be
posted, 1-1 for first column, first row, 1-2 for first column,
second row, etc. This will ensure the poster is mounted in the
proper order when you really want to be meeting colleagues, reading
other posters, etc.
Layout
To plan the layout of
your poster, mark off the appropriate space on a wall, table or
floor. Use pieces of paper with your research outline to do an
initial layout. I often mark the pieces “Intro,” “Abstract,”
Results,” “References,” etc. Outlining the text portion can help
judge the amount of room and therefore the detail that you have room
for. At the meeting be prepared with long push pins, copies of the
abstract, paper and pencil for notes. Dress comfortably, but
remember, you may be asking for a job from these people. Wear shoes
which are comfortable for standing. Don’t feel your poster has to
fill the entire assigned board space. Be prepared for board sizes to
vary from what may be published in the abstract
instructions.
Now
to the Nitty-Gritty...What Do I Put In My
Poster?
Use standard scientific
procedure
Introduction, materials and methods, results,
discussion and/or conclusions, references. Sometimes it can be
helpful to think of each part of the poster as a slide that you
would show an audience. The major difference is that there will be
text portions of a poster. As done for a slide presentation, try to
keep text to a minimum by using key words and phrases throughout the
poster.
Introduction
The introduction for a poster
will be short and be composed mostly of a hypothesis or reason for
the research. Background information for posters is usually at a
minimum since you are there to fill in details.
Materials
and Methods
For basic research, this section can also be
shortened by the use of references for much of the material except
when the method is novel or critical to the results. Flow diagrams
can work well rather than written text. In methods papers, this
section will be more intense.
Results
For basic
research papers, this will be the largest portion of the poster.
Arrange your results in a logical order according to the point(s)
you want to get across. Often the order of the research was not the
same order as the conclusions, therefore, arrange your results to
follow your conclusions.
Discussion/Conclusion
In a
poster session, the last section is usually more a conclusion with
discussion left for the publication. Recap the results by assigning
importance to each result and how it fits the hypothesis. Use the
same key phrases and make use of bullets and other clip art
available on word processors, etc. to emphasize the major points.
Many times, conclusions are very brief, as the poster is indicative
of only a portion of the research. Don’t try to fit all your
research on one poster!
References:
References should be
included if the technique is someone else’s. It doesn’t hurt to
reference the work that inspired yours (this got me an invitation to
an international meeting in Japan while still a graduate
student!)
By Pat Glas. Reprinted with permission
from “A How to Book...Making Success a Reality.” For ordering
information, contact J.P. Kilbourn, Ph.D., Consulting Clinical &
Microbiological Laboratory, 333 S.W. 5th Avenue, Suite 620-7,
Portland, OR 97204-1743; (503) 222-5279. Proceeds from this book go
toward funding scholarships for women. |
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