Histograms are used to show numerical information in graphic form. They usually follow a bar-graph format.

When the results of a study or a survey are transferred into graphic form, it makes it easier for readers to analyze the data and understand the significance of the numbers. Similarly to other graphs, histograms have an x and y axis.

History

The term "histogram" is from the Greek language, and was coined by Karl Pearson, a famous statistician. Simply stated, it means a "common form of graphical representation." It is unclear when histograms were first created, but they have been useful tools for quite some time. "The Commercial and Political Atlas," written by William Playfair and published in 1786, contained the oldest known bar chart. In 1859, Florence Nightingale used histograms to show the difference in mortality between civilians and the military. Function The purpose of a histogram is to put numerical information into graphic form so it is easier to understand. Histograms show the frequency with which, and the time at which, certain things occur. For example, Florence Nightingale tried to show that military men died more frequently than civilians, which gave her the evidence she needed to improve army hygiene. When facts are visualized and labeled, it can help to make positive changes in the world. Features On the y-axis, histograms show the frequency with which something occurs. On the x-axis, the time is labeled. The x-axis is in even increments so the data doesn't look skewed. Data is then transferred into bar shapes for each increment on the x-axis. A stem-and-leaf-plot can be used to generate the data for a histogram. The leaf is the last digit of the number, and the remaining numbers are the stem. For example, the number 345 would have 5 as its leaf and 34 as its stem. You can create two columns--one for the stems and one for the leaves. You then lump the leaves with the similar stems, if there are any. When you turn a stem-and-leaf-plot on its side, it creates a histogram. Identification

When you are analyzing a histogram, you need to read all of the labels to fully understand what the histogram is trying to show. First, read the title and find out what the main idea of the histogram is. Then look at the scale and the labels on the x and y axes. From there, you can determine the frequency for specific information, which can show a decrease, increase or pattern in the topic at hand. Effects Although histogram are simple graphs, they can provide valuable information. When numerical data is compressed and converted into a histogram, it enables readers to notice patterns and see changes. In order to improve institutions like health-care or education, you need to see the data and how it is being affected. However, not all histograms aim to change something. Some are simply for reference and to show basic statistical information about a certain topic.

How to Construct a Histogram

A Histogram provides an effective means for displaying measurement data in graphical form and provides a better understanding of the distribution of the data. A histogram is constructed by recording the scale of individual measurements (height, weight, IQ, test scores, etc.) on the horizontal axis of the graph and the scale for the number of occurrences for each measurement on the vertical axis. The resulting graph provides visual insight into the distribution of the measurement data by displaying an indication of the range, median, mode and distribution of the individual measurements.

1 Measure and record 30 or more data measurements. These may be heights, weights, test scores, IQs, etc. 2

Determine the minimum and maximum measurements recorded (the range of the data). 3 Construct the horizontal axis of the graph by recording the range of individual measurements, starting with the minimum recorded measurement and adding the individual measurements up to and including the maximum recorded measurement. 4 Label the horizontal axis to designate the variables being recorded (e.g. weight, height, IQ, test scores, etc.). 5 Construct the vertical axis by recording the potential range of frequencies for each measurement. For most distributions, the expected range of the vertical axis would be from zero to a number equal to half the total number of measurements recorded. For example, if the total data measurements recorded is equal to 30, the vertical axis would include individual numbers from 0 to 15 units. 6 Plot the individual data measurements on the graph by locating the data point on the horizontal axis and plotting an "X" on the graph for each occurrence for that measurement. This will result in vertically stacked "Xs" for multiple recordings of the same measurement. For example, three measurements of a test score of 70 will be plotted as three "Xs" stacked vertically above the 70 unit on the horizontal axis and with the last "X" opposite the 3 unit on the vertical (frequency) axis. 7 Continue plotting individual measurements until all have been plotted. The result of the completed chart will indicate the pattern of distribution for the measured data.