---
name: audit-paper-figures-data
description: COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC MANUSCRIPT AUDIT — FIGURES, VARIABLES, AND DATA
tags: [scitex-writer, scitex-package]
---

COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC MANUSCRIPT AUDIT — FIGURES, VARIABLES, AND DATA

Continuation of [15_audit-paper.md](15_audit-paper.md). Sections 3–5 of the audit.

3. FIGURE AUDIT (ALL FIGURES WITHOUT EXCEPTION)

Check that figure numbers are sequential, unique, and correctly ordered.
Verify that every figure has a title/caption, and that the caption accurately describes the figure content.
Check that axis labels are present, legible, and correctly described.
Verify that legends match the data series shown.
If the text refers to specific patterns or values in a figure, verify that these claims are visually consistent with the figure.
Check figure notes for completeness and consistency with the text.

4. VARIABLE DEFINITIONS AND LABELS

4a. Variable inventory

Compile a complete list of all variables mentioned anywhere in the paper (text, tables, figures, appendices, footnotes).
For each variable, record: name as used, where it is defined, and all locations where it appears.

4b. Consistency checks

Verify that each variable is defined at least once clearly (typically in a variable definitions table or in the text).
Check that variable names, abbreviations, and labels are used identically across all sections — no silent renaming, no pluralization changes (e.g., "Return" vs. "Returns"), no notation drift (e.g., "ROA" vs. "Roa" vs. "roa"), no switching between a full name and an abbreviation without establishing this equivalence.
Flag any variable that appears without a definition, or is defined but never used.
If a variable definitions table exists, verify that it covers all variables used in the regression tables.

5. SAMPLE AND DATA CONSISTENCY

Verify that the stated sample period (e.g., "1990–2020") is used consistently throughout the text, tables, and appendices.
Check that the stated sample size is consistent: does the text say "our sample comprises 45,320 firm-year observations" and do the tables show N = 45,320 (or an explained subset)?
If subsamples are used, verify that subsample descriptions and sizes are consistent across text, tables, and notes.
Check for consistency in data source descriptions: if the text says data comes from Compustat/CRSP/IBES, verify this is stated consistently and not contradicted elsewhere.
If the paper applies sample filters (e.g., excluding financial firms, requiring minimum observations), verify these filters are described consistently and the resulting sample sizes make sense.

## Related

- [15_audit-paper.md](15_audit-paper.md) — general instructions, cross-reference/citation audit, table audit
- [17_audit-paper-methods-output.md](17_audit-paper-methods-output.md) — methodology, structural/formatting, cross-document, language, pitfalls, output format
