Q7.

Describe the various types of graphs that can be used for data presentation

Presentation graphs are key to effective visualisation, and can demonstrate quantitative data in an effective and engaging way. There are basically 2 basic kinds of graphics namely Charts which show how much and diagrams that sow how. Charts are most useful for research and diagrams are least useful. The various charts used in report writing: Line Chart Bar Chart Pie Chart Stratum Chart Scatter diagram Pictogram

Line Chart Shows information over a period of tie. Time change is shown from left to right on horizontal X-axis; Change in quantity from bottom up on vertical Y-axis. It is a two-dimesional chart. When more than one variable is presented each line can be a different colour. The number of items hat can be compared on one chart is limited. It is best used to demonstrate a trend over time. With a line chart, you can show two variables at the same time, as well as reveal the relationship between them. They can demonstrate both a comparison between data sets, and a comparison between trends in data sets.

Bar Chart Popular because it is simple and easy to create and interpret. Vertical or horizontal bars are used to represent frequencies and percentage numbers. Vertical bars work well to demonstrate data such as cost and value. Horizontal bars are a fantastic way to present an absolute value of time, for example the length it takes to complete a particular task. Length of the bars represent the quantities they stand for. Clustered bar charts represent 2 or more quantities in the same chart. Cross hatching or different colours distinguish different kinds of information. Bilateral column charts show plus and minus differences. Titles of the bar are shown on the top or bottom; good for showing percentage change. Stacked column Charts show comparison of subdivisions of the column. The bar chart allows presenters to demonstrate absolute data values, and allows direct comparison between data values and data sets. This works particularly well when comparing the same variable, for example costs in different departments within an organisation. Even better, the bar chart can be used to demonstrate an increase or decrease in these values, and not just a static viewpoint. The bar chart allows the presenter to go into great level of detail in a very simple way.

Pie Chart Circle divided intao sections, each section represents a portion of the total.. Area represented is proportional to the size of the item. Excellent for showing the decomposing of a total quantity into its components. The pie chart can only be used for direct comparisons between a single linked data set. However, while pie charts can only be used to show one data set, they can show multiple points within it. You could show, for example, that company X has a 75% market share, whilst company Y only has 10%. The pie chart

is a really good comparison tool, but it never shows absolute value just proportional value. Pie charts are often viewed as being the boring chart.

STRATUM CHART 2 dimensional chart with time along its horizontal x-axis and values of the item plotted on the vertical Y axis. . The area of the graph is divided into several horizontal layers strata, one layer corresponding to each item. The width of each stratum represents the relative magnitude of the corresponding item at that time.

SCATTER DIAGRAM This diagram shows whether any relationship exists between two variables under consideration. In the scatter diagram if the points are closer to the straight line to be drawn, we conclude there is a strong relationship between the variables. @ types of information: visually determine if the two variables are related. If related, what kind of line describes the relationship linear or curvilinear. Scatter charts are useful when presenting a complete data set. That data set could show a trend, or an absence of a trend. These charts are typically used when there are lots of data points, so that the viewer can then establish whether theres a relationship between the data points or not.

PICTOGRAM This is a special type of bar chart which uses pictures instead of rectangular lines. A Pictograph (picture used as writing pictures which resemble what they signify) is an ideogram (symbols which represent ideas) that conveys its meaning through its pictorial resemblance to a physical object.

Pictogram graphs are simple graphs like bar charts except they use a number of little pictures to show how many items there are in each row. Pictograms can take the form of diagrams to represent statistical data and can be varied in color, size or number to represent change. Pictograms are language insensitive but not always easy to design a good pictogram. They are easy to read, visually appealing and handle large data sets easily using keyed icons. However it is hard to quantify partial icons which must be of a consistent size. Pictogram is best only for 2 6 categories and is simplistic.