This document provides information on different types of graphs used to organize and display data: 1) Tables organize data with independent variables in rows and dependent variables in columns to allow analysis of relationships between variables. 2) Line graphs show changes in a continuous variable over time and can indicate trends, while bar graphs display continuous or discrete data but are less useful for extrapolating information. 3) Circle graphs represent the parts of a whole and show the frequency of categories, making them well-suited for displaying percentage data.

1. Tables and graphs organize and displayAnalyzing DataPresenting Data

2. Data TablesIndependent variable – rowsData are orderedDependent variable – columnsTitle should make reference to the variables in the experimentJust by looking at the title, you can determine the IDV and DV

3. Line GraphsChanges in variable over time.Used when variables are continuous (versus discrete).Useful for representing trends (negative, positive, none)

4. Line Graph*Data table*Correlation?

5. Bar GraphsContinuous or discrete dataMore difficult to extrapolate data

6. Bar GraphsIdentify:Independent variableDependent variableUnits

7. Circle GraphsParts of a wholeRepresents the frequency of each category’s occurrenceThere are 35 humans in room 142. Twelve have blonde hair, sixteen have brown hair, six have black hair, and one has red hair. The red-haired human is awesome. What percent of the class has blonde, brown, black and red hair?34.29% - blonde45.71% - brown17.14% - black2.86% - red

8. Circle Graphs

9. We will go to the computer lab to practice graphing using Excel.Although 3-D graphs may look pretty, avoid them unless a Z-axis is required. Otherwise, the graphics distract from the purpose of the graph, which is to convey information in a way that is easily interpreted.