- The 6 main uses of graphs
- 1- To organize data
- 2- In research projects
- 3- In demography
- 4- To compare data
- 5- To create visual appeal
- 6- To facilitate the explanation
- References
The graphs are used to organize statistical data. These representations collect information on the frequency with which a variable occurs within a studied sample.
For example, a graph can illustrate how many people with black, brown, and yellow hair are in the sample.
Charts have various uses. In research, the creation of tables and graphs is an essential tool for the analysis and presentation of the information obtained through the data collection instruments.
The presence of these graphs makes the results more understandable. In these, the data is usually grouped taking into account the nature of these. They can also be presented as percentages, giving the reader an overview of the distributions.
In research work, these representations are used to show the results of the project. In demography population pyramids are used to show the certain characteristics of the human groups that inhabit a country.
In addition, the systematization of information in histograms, pyramids, bar charts, among other types of graphs, is more attractive.
The 6 main uses of graphs
1- To organize data
There are various methods that allow organizing data, such as tables and graphs, the latter being one of the most efficient methods to accomplish this task.
There are different types of graphs that can be used according to the specific needs derived from the analyzed data.
For example, if you want to include two data for the same variable, it is advisable to use a bar chart. Through this, the values of the relative frequency and the absolute frequency of one or more variables can be represented.
If you are working with a grouped distribution (when the values are organized in intervals or groups) it is best to use a histogram, an ideal graph for this type of data presentation.
If you want to represent the evolution of a variable through time, the use of a frequency polygon is recommended. This type of chart is ideal for showing the ups and downs of a trend.
For example, a business that deals with buying and selling can use these charts to show the status of business transactions in a year.
2- In research projects
In research projects, information is obtained through data collection instruments.
This information must be systematized so that readers can understand the data more quickly.
In fact, the research projects dedicate an entire chapter to the presentation of the results through tables and graphs.
3- In demography
In demography, graphs are used to show the population distribution. Histograms and pictograms are generally used. A clear example of this use are the population pyramids.
Population pyramids, also known as population pyramids, are a graphic resource that organizes individuals by sex and age.
The pyramid consists of two parts: one for each sex. At the base is the number of individuals expressed in millions, and in the center are the age ranges.
4- To compare data
Many times it is necessary to compare statistical data. In these cases, band diagrams can be used.
Band diagrams allow time comparisons. This means that the same variable is studied in two different periods. Likewise, you can work on a single graph with more than one variable.
For example: the economy of a country is being analyzed in its different sectors (primary, secondary and tertiary). Added to this, we want to observe the performance of each sector for the year 2007 and for the year 2017.
What you would do in this case is a chart with three pairs of bars, one pair for each sector. Each bar will represent the values for each year.
5- To create visual appeal
Graphics are more interactive than written texts. For this reason, many prefer to organize the data in this type of resource rather than explain it in writing.
There are different types of graph. Some of these are more attractive than the others, either because of the elements or the colors that are used.
For example, bar charts, histograms, and pie charts (the ones that look like a pie) use colors to distinguish one variable from another. This separation favors the understanding of the graph.
One of the most striking graphics is the pictogram, also known as a figurative diagram. They use pictures or other graphic symbols to show the difference between the variables.
There are two types of pictograms. The former use a drawing that increases or decreases in size in proportion to the frequency that affects the variable.
The second type of pictogram uses a figure repeated as many times as the frequency indicates. The base figure must be assigned a value so that the graph can be understood. Here is an example:
$ = 1%
2013 $$$$$$$$$$
2014 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
2015 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
2016 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
2017 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $
6- To facilitate the explanation
The graphs are self explanatory. This means that it is not necessary to elaborate with a detailed explanation of the data presented.
The only case in which a detailed explanation may be required is when the charts are governed by a group distribution system; that is, when the data has been organized in clusters.
References
- An Analysis of the Use of Graphics for Information Retrieval. Retrieved on October 20, 2017, from researchgate.net
- Graphics. Retrieved on October 20, 2017, from wikipedia.org
- How to Uses Graphics in Your Presentation. Retrieved on October 20, 2017, from inc.com
- Presenting Data in Tables and Charts. Retrieved on October 20, 2017, from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Table (information). Retrieved on October 20, 2017, from wikipedia.org
- Uses of Different Types of Graphics. Retrieved on October 20, 2017, from sqa.org.uk
- Uses of Graphics in Research, Reports and Oral Presentations.. Retrieved on October 20, 2017, from pwresources.wordpress.ncsu.edu