Graphs

Non Verbal
Source

In representing our data we move from reporting data to
showing trends and patterns in the physical, chemical, and
biological phenomena we observe. As we make decisions about the
types of data we collect, we simultaneously need to think about
how we will analyze and represent the data.
Data representations are driven by the types of data collected.
Qualitative data describes your observations in words or pictures
and quantitative data describes the experiment in terms of
numbers. These data are often displayed in tables.
Graph data whenever possible. Relationships are more easily
identified in a graphic presentation as compared to a table. Some
data that cannot be graphed on coordinates can be expressed in
pictorial form using other graphics such as a histogram.
Supplement each graphic with a brief descriptive text following
the general guidelines described above.

Representing Data

The title of your graph should be centered and placed just
above the graph. Label both the x-axis and the y-axis. Be sure
to indicate the units used in the experiment. Multiple data
points should be graphed to provide a comparison among the
experimental conditions.
To choose the type of graph that will best display your data,
decide if your independent variable is continuous or discrete.
Continuous variables are those measured on an ongoing
scale such as length, temperature or time. The values range
on a continuum, for example from 0 to 100 mm, or 0 to 100
C, or 0 to 60 min. The intervals between numbers on a
continuous scale are equal. That is, the distance from 1 to 3
mm is the same as from 13 to 16 mm.
Categorical/ Discrete variables are described by separate
categories. There is no continuum between the categories;
there are no values between the categories. Examples of
discrete variables include, dog breeds (greyhounds, pit bulls
or terriers) or makes of car (BMW, Honda or Ford). In science,
types of antibiotics are an example of categorical variables.

Types of Graphs. For continuous variables use a line graph. The
Independent Variable (descriptive or predictive variables) belongs
on the horizontal (x) axis and the Dependent Variable (outcome
variable) belongs on the vertical (y) axis. Choose appropriate scales
for each axis to include all the values for the DV and the IV. You do
not have to start at zero; line breaks may be used for data that
would normally not fit on the graph. If appropriate draw a best-fit-
line; a line that does not necessary connect the points but one that
best represents a general trend in the data. Best-fit-lines are often
not used in scatter plots. An X-Y scatter plot shows relationships or
a correlation between 2 variables.
For categorical/ discrete variables use a bar graph. The independent
variable (IV) is placed on the horizontal (x) axis. The dependent
variable (DV) is placed on the vertical (y) axis. Make sure the bars
are evenly spaced and label each bar. Histograms (frequency
distributions) are used when data can be organized into clumps.
A circle/pie graph is used when displaying parts of a whole, for
example displaying percentages. Each wedge should be labeled
with the word or data that corresponds.