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Week 10

Presenting Statistical Information

➤ This week we will look at ways to improve our tables and figures.

Before Class

Project Progress

đź‘Ą Meet with your group and be prepared to answer the following questions about your project:

  • Draft a table and a figure that you think illustrates an important preliminary descriptive finding.

Statistical Data Presentation

đź“– Statistical Data Presentation (22 minutes)

Improving Graphs & Figures

đź“– How to Graph Badly or What Not To Do (30 minutes)

  1. Section 1.3 discusses Wainer’s Rules for Bad Graphs. Find an example of a "bad graph" (e.g., https://www.reddit.com/r/dataisugly/) and explain which of Wainer's rules it violates. Bring this example to the synchronous class section.

đź“– Rudiments of Numeracy

  1. “Rudiments of Numeracy” lists six rules to follow when producing graphs and tables. Rule 6 concerns whether to produce a graph vs. a table. Consider the analyses you have performed thus far. For each, is it better to present them via text, a graph, or a table? Why?

Supplemental Readings

đź“– How to Design Terrible Graphs

đź“– Dynamite Plots Must Die

In Class

In week's class we will discuss how to improve graphs and tables.

Reflection

When you think of the types of analyses you will be performing, what criteria do you use to determine whether you want to convey the results in a graph vs. a table?