Seven Common Graphs In Statistics Page 2

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You may also consider that sometimes situations call for graphs that haven't been invented yet. There once
was a time when no one used bar graphs, because they didn't exist. Now bar graphs are programmed into
Excel and other spreadsheet programs, and many companies rely heavily upon them. If you're confronted
with data that you want to display, don't be afraid to use your imagination. Perhaps you'll think up a new
way to help visualize data, and students of the future will get to do homework problems based on your
graph.
Presenting Data in Graphic Form
Many people find frequency tables, crosstabs, and other forms of numerical statistical results intimidating.
The same information can usually be presented in graphical form, which makes it easier to understand and
less intimidating. Graphs tell a story with visuals rather than in words or numbers and can help readers
understand the substance of the findings rather than the technical details behind the numbers.
There are numerous graphing options when it comes to presenting data.
Pie Charts
A pie chart is a graph that shows the differences in frequencies or percentages among categories of a
nominal or ordinal variable. The categories are displayed as segments of a circle whose pieces add up to 100
percent of the total frequencies.
Pie charts are a great way to graphically show a frequency distribution. In a pie chart, the frequency or
percentage is represented both visually and numerically, so it is typically quick for readers to understand the
data and what the researcher is conveying.
Bar Graphs
Like a pie chart, a bar graph is also a way to visually show the differences in frequencies or percentages
among categories of a nominal or ordinal variable. In a bar graph, however, the categories are displayed as
rectangles of equal width with their height proportional to the frequency of percentage of the category.
Unlike pie charts, bar graphs are very useful for comparing categories of a variable among different groups.
For example, we can compare marital status among U.S. adults by gender. This graph would thus have two
bars for each category of marital status: one for males and one for females (see picture). The pie chart does
not allow you to include more than one group (i.e. you would have to create two separate pie charts – one
for females and one for males).
Statistical Maps
Statistical maps are a way to display the geographic distribution of data. For example, let’s say we are
studying the geographic distribution of the elderly persons in the United States. A statistical map would be a
great way to visually display our data. On our map, each category is represented by a different color or
shade and the states are then shaded depending on their classification into the different categories.

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