In this chapter you will be learning about scatter-plots, assessing, displaying, and interpreting data.
Scatter-plots: A graph of plotted points that show the relationship between two sets of data.
Scatter-plots: A graph of plotted points that show the relationship between two sets of data.
Display Data:
- Line graphs. Line graphs are useful for emphasizing the movement or trend of numerical data over time, since they allow a viewer to trace the evolution of a particular point by working backwards or interpolating. Highs and lows, rapid or slow movement, or a tendency towards stability are all types of trends that are well suited to a line graph.Line graphs can also be plotted with two or more scales to suggest a comparison of the same value, or set of values, in different time periods. The number of scales your graph has depends on the type of graph you select. There is a description of each available graph type on the Graph types tab of the Graph Assistant.
- Bar graphs. Bar graphs plot numerical data by displaying rectangular blocks against a scale. The length of a bar corresponds to a value or amount. Viewers can develop a clear mental image of comparisons among data series by distinguishing the relative heights of the bars. Use a bar graph to display numerical data when you want to present distributions of data. You can create horizontal as well as vertical bar graphs.
- Pie graphs. Pie graphs emphasize where your data fits in relation to a larger whole. Keep in mind that pie graphs work best when your data consists of several large sets. Too many variables divide the pie into small segments that are difficult to see. Use color or texture on individual segments to create visual contrast.
- Scatter graphs. Scatter graphs share many of the characteristics of basic line graphs. Data can be plotted using variable scales on both axes. When you use a scatter graph, your data is plotted using a basic line pattern. Use a scatter graph to visualize the density of individual data values around particular points or to demonstrate patterns in your data. A numeric X-axis, or sort field, will always yield a scatter graph by default.It is important to note that scatter graphs and line graphs are distinguishable from one another only by virtue of their X-axis format. Line graphs can appear without connecting lines (making them look like scatter graphs) and scatter graphs can appear with connecting lines (making them look like line graphs).