Chp 10 Managing Data and Using graphs

Common language

reduces difficult figures to the common denominators of language and idea

graphics

all types of illustrations used in written and spoken reports

Is the graphic effecitve and ethical

-is a graphic needed to clarify

-does it contribute to the overall idea

-is the graphic easily understood

-avoid chart junk, be consistent with designs, write meaningful titles

-can a graphic be seen by the entire audience

How to adapt for youtube

keep it short

make it loud and clear

avoid bulleted powerpoints

Graphic type and objective

table →to show exact figures

bar chart →to compare one quantity with another

line chart →to illustrate changes in quantities over time

pie chart →to show how the parts of a whole are distributed

gantt chart →to track progress toward completing a project

map →to show geographic relationships

flowchart →to illustrate a process or procedure

photograph →to provide a realistic view of a specific item or place

table

a graphic that presents data in columns and rows which aid in clarifying large quantities of data in a small space

Table Layout

number tables and graphs consecutively

give each table a title that is complete

label columns of data clearly enough to identify the items

indent the second line of a label for the rows

place a superscript symbol beside an entry that requires additional explanation

document the source of data with a source note

bar chart

a graphic used to compare quantities

grouped bar chart

a graphic used for comparing more than one quantity at each point

segmented bar chart

a graphic used to show how different facts contribute to a total (subdivided, stacked or 100%)

pictogram

a graphic that uses pictures or symbols to illustrate objects, concepts, or numerical relationships

Gantt chart

a specific type of bar chart that is useful for tracking progress toward completing a series of events over time

Bar charts tips

-avoid visual distortion

-position chronologically or in some other logical order

-use color to convey meaning

-keep labeling simple to reduce clutter and increase readability

Line chart

a graphic that depicts changes in quantitaive data over time and illustrates trends

area chart

a graphic that shows how different factors contribute to a total also referred to as a cumulative line chart

pie chart

a graphic that shows how the parts of a whole are distributed

When making a line chart

use the vertical axis for amount and the horizontal axis for time

begin the vertical axis at zero

divide the vertical and horizontal scales into equal increments

When creating a pie chart

-position the largest slice at the 12 oclock posistion

-label each slice and include information about the quantitative size

-draw attention to one or more slices for desired emphasis

-avoid using 3D type formatting that makes values more difficult to distinguish

map

a graphic that shows geographic relationships

flowchart

a step by step diagram of a procedure or a graphic depiction of a system or organization

Explaining Graphics

avoid just restating what the graph has shown