Making Graphs from DataMaking Graphs from Data

Bar, Line, or Pie?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.

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

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

Line graphs are used for showing trends

Example

Line graphs also show relationships

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- Dependent M- Manipulated

R- Responding I- Independent

Y- Y-axis X- 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

RememberRemember

TAILS DRY MIX

TAILS DRY MIX

TAILSTAILS

T is for Title T is for Title

TAILSTAILS

A is for Axis A is for Axis

TAILSTAILS

I is for Interval I is for Interval

60

65

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Percent

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Quarter

Average Scores in Biology

First Period

Second Period

Third Period

TAILSTAILS

L is for Label L is for Label

60

65

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Percent

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Quarter

Average Scores in Biology

First Period

Second Period

Third Period

TAILSTAILS

S is for Scale S is for Scale

60

65

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75

Percent

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Quarter

Average Scores in Biology

First Period

Second Period

Third Period

Remember that A was for Axis???

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

DRYDRY

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

60

65

70

75

Percent

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Quarter

Average Scores in Biology

First Period

Second Period

Third Period

MIXMIX

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

60

65

70

75

Percent

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Quarter

Average Scores in Biology

First Period

Second Period

Third Period