Figures, tables and abbreviations
In the main text, abbreviations should generally be avoided. Commonly accepted abbreviations (e.g., etc., cf., i.e., e.g.) may be used without issue. Abbreviations created specifically for the thesis should be used only sparingly (always keep the reader’s perspective in mind).
The thesis should employ a consistent system of symbols. If symbols from external sources are used, they must be adapted to fit the system of symbols applied in the thesis while maintaining their meaning (e.g., units of measurement, statistical symbols). Direct quotations are exempt from this rule.
Abbreviations that are not explained in a standard dictionary must be listed in the list of abbreviations in addition to being mentioned in the text. When using an uncommon abbreviation for the first time in the text, the corresponding word should be written out in full, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. After that, the abbreviation should be used consistently.
Tables and figures must have a clear descriptive title in their caption. Directly below a table or figure, a brief explanation of the symbols used should be provided if necessary (regardless of their detailed explanation in the text), as well as any notes added or adopted by the author.
Tables and figures should be numbered consecutively using Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). Each table and figure must be referred to in the text by its number (e.g., "Table 2 summarizes the research on financial incentives.").
If entire tables or figures are taken from other sources without modification, the source must be cited according to the citation style used in the text. The source of the table or figure should then be included in its caption.
If a table or figure from another source is adapted by the student (e.g., by omitting or adding content), the source citation should include the phrase “adapted from”. If the table or figure is created entirely by the student, no source citation is needed; instead, the caption should indicate “own illustration” or “own table”.