Types of graphs

Circle graph: A graph that is made by dividing a circle into sections that represent parts of a whole. Each part adds up to 100%.

We use them for multiple reasons

  • When we are displaying the relative frequency of variables

  • Used with one set of data

  • Show how categories represent part of a whole data set for one variable

Bar graph: A chart that plots data using rectangular bars or columns

We use them for…

  • When we want to compare categories between different groups

  • Used to display 1 data set/ 1 variable

  • Used with discrete data

Line plot: A graph that displays data as points or symbols (checkmarks, x’s) above a number line. Also, the dots are not connected.

It is used for….

  • Showing the frequency of data

  • Quick and simple way to organize data with smaller values

  • Display data with one variable

Multiple-Bar Graph: A graph that shows the relationship between diferent sets of data and the bars are presented beside each other for clear comparisons.

Mutltiple-Bar graphs are used for…

  • To display the relationship between two sets of data. For example - gender differences or adults vs youth.

  • Display data with one variable

  • Used for qualitative and discrete data

Scatter plot: A graph that displays data points for two continous variables and both the y and x axis represent a different variable.

Used for….

  • When we have data with two variables

  • Often used to display data represented in a table of values

  • Used to show the relationship between two variables

Histogram: A graph that is similar to a bar-graph that shows frequencies for different intervals.

Used for….

  • When the x-axis uses numbers (intervals). For example - age rangers

  • Display data with one variable

Broken-Line Graph: A graph that displays dats as points that are connected with a line

Used for…

  • To track changes over periods of time

  • Used with continous data