Making Graphs from Data Bar Line or Pie

Making Graphs from Data

Bar, Line, or Pie? /One of the first things one needs to do when graphing is decide whether to make a bar graph or a line graph.

Bar Graphs • Bar graphs are descriptive. • They compare groups of data such as amounts and categories. • They help us make generalizations and see differences in the data.

Bar Graphs are used for comparing

Line Graphs • Line graphs show a relationship between the two variables. They show the IV affects the DV. • Many times, the IV plotted on the X-axis is time. • They are useful for showing trends in data and for making predictions.

Line graphs are used for showing trends

Example

Line graphs also show relationships

Pie Graph • A circle graph is used to show a part of something relates to the whole. • This kind of graph is needed to show percentages effectively.

DRY MIX One way to remember which data goes on which axis is the acronym DRY MIX. D. R. Y. D- Dependent R- Responding Y- Y-axis M. I. X. M- Manipulated I- Independent X- X-axis

Draw the Axes

Identify the Axes Y- Axis X- Axis

Identify the Axes Y- Axis Dependent Variable (what is observed and measured) Independent Variable (what is changed by the scientist) X- Axis

TAILS: Another acronym to help remember what you need to create a graph…. . T. A. I. L. S. Title Axis Interval Labels Scale

TAILS Title: Includes both variables Axis: IV on X-axis and DV on Y-axis Interval: The interval (4) is appropriate for this scale. Label: Both axes are labeled. Scale: Min and max values are appropriate.