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6.3
Graphical Analysis
P
urpose
The role this topic plays in quantitative reasoning
If you have ever been lost in a sea of numbers when staring at large data sets you are not alone. Most
professionals find it difficult to detect patterns in unsorted information. For this reason, it is standard
practice to organize these sets in tables and graphs. The public has well known affinity for graphs when
it comes to the presentation of mathematics. Our inherent aesthetics easily digest the geometric symbols
and otherwise cryptic patterns become obvious.
Due to our incessant exposure to graphs, there has been a shift toward passive responses when presented
with them. Translation and exploration of a set of data with graphical tools can bring about greater
clarity, insight, and influence (a picture is worth a thousand words) in a presentation of quantitative data.
People who gain greater insights from data will be able to tackle problems others cannot. This is why
one mark of a professional is now skeptical inquiry where the details of a graph are perused with the
formal approaches of quantitative analysis. We restrict this activity to studying the more common graph
types, though the methodology is easily applied in other situations.
L
earning Goals
What you should learn while completing this activity
1. Gain familiarity with the seven typical graph formats used when presenting data (scatter plot,
function graph, histogram, pie chart, bar graph, regression plot, and line graph)
2. Determine which graph types and software tools are best used for a given data set or situation to
improve understanding and insights
3. Identify the message conveyed or intent of the graph designer, communicating about the content and
your analysis of a graph
D
iscovery
Finding out for yourself
Find and document a graphical display of data in the media. Who designed the graph? What data was
used to create the graph and where did it come from?
W
hat Do You Already Know?
Tapping into your existing knowledge
1. Describe the type of graph used and explain why you think that type was chosen.
2. What is the purpose of the graph and is it effective?
3. Is the graph misleading? How could the graph be improved?