Graphical representation of data is a very useful tool to present data and factual information in a visually appealing way. They save time for the readers and help them gather more facts with less chances of misinterpretation.

Following is the summary of the readings I did in class- Understanding Graphs and Tables- By Howard Wainer

• Graphs have an unrelenting forcefulness that push our eyes to discover things from them without knowing in advance what they are looking for. • One can only plot graphs if they also have the ability to analyse them. • A well-drawn graph invokes deeper questions, which can be categorised into three

kinds-

  1. Elementary level questions- involving data extraction

  2. Intermediate level questions- trends seen in parts of the data
  3. Overall level questions- understanding the deep structure of the data being presented in its totality (comparing trends and seeing groupings) • Charles Sanders Pierce (1981) said that all things can be categorised into firstness (considering a thing all to itself, redness), secondness (one thing in relation to another, a red apple) and thirdness (two things, an apple falling from a tree). • Firstness is like a noun, secondness is like adjective- noun combinations and thirdness includes a verb. • A graph uses space to convey information, while a table uses specific iconic representation.

Rules for Table Construction-

  1. Order rows and columns in ways that make sense. (Size places- put the largest

one first. For time, order from past to future; viewer is familiar and would expect the same)

  1. Round numerical data- Rounded numbers are more impactful than accurate numbers.

  2. ALL is different and important. Toward Better Graphs- By Edwin Eagle Ways of conveying ideas in an effective manner-

  3. The graph should have a title which should be complete and clearly stated so that misinterpretation would be impossible. Fundamentally, graphs are supposed to portray facts and convey information. Without providing a lens for the viewer to view the chart in a certain way, the purpose of the graph may get dissolved.
  4. The source of the numerical data used should be indicated on the graph. In many cases, it is wise to show the data also. This ensures completeness and makes the graph look accountable.
  5. In picturing areas or volumes to represent quantities, care should be exercised to prevent giving false impressions. This applies especially to pictograph area and volume pictures. When represented visually, the bars and lines depicting the data can be misleading if not critically examined. Their relative sizes when compared at a glance can give away the impression that there is more difference in the result than what the data has to say.
  6. On bar graphs and line graphs, the zero line should be included or its omission fairly indicated. This ensures better interpretation and understanding from the base, and not just relative comparison.
  7. The scales on a line graph should be so arranged and so numbered that an increase is represented by a rising of the line and a decrease by a dropping of the line. At every point, the numerical value corresponding to the respective axes can be known more clearly in this way.
  8. On multiple bar graphs, the direction of the bars should be consistent with the data represented. Horizontal bar graphs represent horizontal distances better, while vertical bars are apt for rise and falls.
  9. A type of graph should be selected that logically portrays the information. A clear distinction should be made when choosing a type of graph based on the data it will depict. Pie charts are useful to compare parts of a whole, while bars and lines can compare two or more categories of data.
  10. The use of appropriate colours and shadings should be taught and encouraged. Every colour and pattern carries its own identity and can be helpful in registering data better.
  11. Artistic contrast and artistic composition should be emphasised. The appearance of the graph can be attractive if it is well spaced and labelled, depending on how the maker chooses to do so.

Say it With Charts Studio, Srishti, 2017