GRAPHING BASICS Data Management Graphing Types of Graphs

GRAPHING BASICS Data Management & Graphing

Types of Graphs n After collecting your data, you will need to organize it into a graph. ¡ There are three types of graphs: n Pie/Circle Graph n Bar Graph n Line Graph

Why Graph? n n Graphs are an effective way to visually display the information or data collected in an experiment. Graphs can clearly illustrate a trend in information or data collected. This is one way that data can be analyzed. It is important to use the correct type of graph for the type of information or data presented.

Pie/Circle Graph n n These graphs are usually used when data is comparing parts to a whole (percentage) or when a quantity is broken down Example: ¡ How the Milton’s family budget is broken down in a month

Bar Graph n Most often used when comparing groups (words) and numbers or numbers that cannot be ordered ¡ Example: n Comparing the resistance of current passing through different types of metal

Line Graph n n Most often used to show changes over time or rates of change in something. It is used when you can make a sequential scale with the data being collected. Example: ¡ Change in average speed compared to the distance traveled.

n n n A line graph shows changes that occur in related variables. The independent variable is generally plotted on the horizontal axis, or xaxis. The dependent variable is plotted on the vertical axis, or yaxis, of the graph. hs

Titling a Graph n n A title for a graph should describe what the experiment was comparing For pie graphs: ¡ Titles should name the quantity or thing being divided n n For line and bar graphs: ¡ Titles should list the dependent variable vs. the independent variable n n Student Hair Color Temperature vs. Time All titles are placed at the TOP of the graph