Basic HTML Version
Q
uantitative
R
easoning &
P
roblem
S
olving
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comparison graph
— contrasts one set of variables from another, and displays how those two
variables interact
composition graph
— shows
how various parts comprise the whole and
displays them together
distribution graph
— shows how spread out the data are, look for outliers, and examine normality
free-form diagram
—
a simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or workings of
something (can be a drawing, picture, sketch or model)
icon
— a sign (as a word or graphic symbol) whose form suggests its meaning thus becomes a widely
known symbol
relationship graph
— used when you want to show a connection between two or more variables, or
a process through the data presented
schematic diagram
—
represents the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather
than realistic pictures. A schematic usually omits all details that are not relevant to the information
the schematic is intended to convey, and may add unrealistic elements that aid comprehension.
I
nformation
What you need to know
R
eadings
R
esources
S
trategies
U
sing
G
raphics
in
Q
uantitative
R
easoning
Category
Graph Types
Use when...
Limitations
Comparison Bar charts, line graphs,
There are multiple
groups with different
behaviors
Units must be the same
Groups must be from same
population
Distribution
Histograms, scatter plots,
3D graphs
Data is probabilistic
Can't be a deterministic
situation
Must not have large random
error
Relationship Scatter plots, bubble
charts
A variable is
dependent upon other
variables
Can't be very low correlations
Can't show a causal relationship
Composition Stacked bar charts,
stacked area charts, pie
charts
Analyzing pieces of a
whole; breaking things
apart
Must have logical components
that can be broken down
Cartoon
Humorous messages with
key graphics
Pointing out
something important
through humor
Must be contextually relevant
Can't be too mean spirited
Icon
Implications through visual
means (no smoking sign,
stop sign, restrooms)
Quick information
without language is
needed
Can't be too complex
Any language must be
graphically understood