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 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

Bar Graphs are used for comparing

Line graphs show a relationship between the two variables. They show how 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

Line graphs are used for showing trends

Example

Line graphs also show relationships

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

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

Draw the Axes

Identify the Axes Y- Axis X- Axis

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

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

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. TAILS

Remember / TAILS / DRY / MIX / TAILS / DRY / MIX

TAILS / T is for Title

TAILS / A is for Axis

TAILS / I is for Interval

TAILS / L is for Label

TAILS / S is for Scale

Remember that A was for Axis??? When figuring out what goes on which axis remember: DRY MIX When figuring out what goes on which axis remember: DRY MIX

DRY / DRY means that the: / Dependent or / Responding variable belongs on the / Y-axis / DRY means that the: / Dependent or / Responding variable belongs on the / Y-axis

MIX / MIX means that the: / Manipulated or / Independent variable belongs on the / X-axis / MIX means that the: / Manipulated or / Independent variable belongs on the / X-axis