BioNinja

Data Visualisation

Graphs function as a way to visually represent the relationship between two variables (independent and dependent)

• Different types of graphs are employed according to the type of data used (e.g. continuous or discrete)

Examples of different types of graphs include:

• Bar chart: Represents nominal data with rectangular bars of columns (with spaces in between categories)

• Histogram: Represents continuous data (e.g. ordinal) with connected (no spaces) bars or columns

• Scatterplot: Data points shown as individual points (patterns may be represented via a trend line)

• Line graph: Data points are connected via straight lines (shows rate of change with meaningful interpolation)

• Pie chart: Data is divided into slices, with each section representing a proportion (percentage) of a whole

• Box and whisker plot: Displays the distribution of a numerical data set through its quartiles

Appropriate graph construction involves accurate scaling, clear axes titles (with units), descriptive titles and error bars (if appropriate)

• Graphs can be used to show trends, identify correlations and potentially identify outliers

Types of Graphs