Graphs and Charts
The primary objective of any research and study is not accomplished until and unless the data that is churned out of research is represented in a proper readable and understandable format.
In previous classes we learnt various techniques of collecting data using MS Excel, analyzing data using SPSS &Permap and now comes presentation of the data and research.
We take the help of various kinds of graphs and charts available in SPSS and MS Excel.
Why do we need a graph or chart?
A graph is a chart or drawing that shows
the relationship between changing things.
They are a diagram displaying the relationship between numbers or amounts.
Common graphs use bars, lines, or parts of a circle to display data.
A graph or chart is used to present
facts in visual form. They are a drawing that displays the relative sizes of
numerical quantities. A graph is one of the easiest ways to compare numbers.
Graphs can be used to illustrate many types of data and are not limited to
the simpler types such as line, bar, and circle. They should be used to make
facts clearer and more understandable.
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On day 7 we learned about two kinds of charts in MS Excel:
1) Bubble Chart
2) Radar Chart
The space covered by group of bubbles forms Category Variable.
Create a Bubble chart
1) Select the data you want to display in the Bubble chart.
(Note It's best not to include row or column headings in the selection.)
2) On the Insert menu, click Chart.
3) In the Chart type box, click Bubble.
4) For proper distribution and arrangement of bubbles Right-Click on x-axis or y-axis
and then select Format Axis. Here you can set the scale limits (Max/Min).
Advantages of Bubble Graph:
- Display three variables.
- Visual size makes it very easy to make relative comparisons
- Conveys same information as a line graph (plus more)
Disadvantages of Bubble Graph:
- Due to circle sizes, can be difficult to ascertain actual values (circle sizes represent estimates)
- Improper scaling can easily skew graph
- Circles may clutter graph, difficult to read and understand
- Cannot be used to display alot of data
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RADAR CHART
A Radar graph is composed of a set of axis radiating from a central origin. Each axis represents a different property or value. Each plot on the radar graph consists of a point on each of the axis, which are usually connected. Each plot is assigned a different color. If the area enclosed by the lines are colored in, the shading is usually semi-transparent.
Radar graphs are used when a single plot has more than two properties (since they allow you to simultaneously display many properties). This way, plots can be compared over not just two properties. It is easy to see from a radar graph if a plot is biased towards a particular value, or is evenly distributed among all the characteristics.
Create a Radar Chart
1) Select the data you want to display in the Radar chart.
(Note It's best not to include row or column headings in the selection.)
2) On the Insert menu, click Chart.
3) In the Chart type box, click Radar.
Advantages of Radar Graph:
- Primary way of displaying more then two or three values at once
- Excellent way to get a "feel" for data
Disadvatages of Gadar Graph:
- Cannot compare more than two or three different plots at once
- Without colouring, can be difficult to tell which points belong to who
- With coloring, color could cover up similar looking plots
- Too many axis makes it difficult to read
- Less intuitive than other graph types
==============================================================
On day 7 we learned about two kinds of charts in MS Excel:
1) Bubble Chart
2) Radar Chart
BUBBLE CHART
Bubble charts are popular tools for identifying and illustrating clusters.
These charts allow four different variables to be plotted within the same graph, making it easy to assess relative performance. Because they allow visual comparisons of well-understood measures, bubble charts are often used for pinpointing priority that should receive attention from the concerned organization or brand.
Bubble Chart represents 3 variables:
1. On the x-axis (horizontal)------------------Continous Variables
2. On the y-axis (vertical) -------------------- Continous Variables
3. Indicated by the size of the bubble--------Continous Variables
The space covered by group of bubbles forms Category Variable.
Create a Bubble chart
1) Select the data you want to display in the Bubble chart.
(Note It's best not to include row or column headings in the selection.)
2) On the Insert menu, click Chart.
3) In the Chart type box, click Bubble.
4) For proper distribution and arrangement of bubbles Right-Click on x-axis or y-axis
and then select Format Axis. Here you can set the scale limits (Max/Min).
Advantages of Bubble Graph:
- Display three variables.
- Visual size makes it very easy to make relative comparisons
- Conveys same information as a line graph (plus more)
Disadvantages of Bubble Graph:
- Due to circle sizes, can be difficult to ascertain actual values (circle sizes represent estimates)
- Improper scaling can easily skew graph
- Circles may clutter graph, difficult to read and understand
- Cannot be used to display alot of data
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADAR CHART
Create a Radar Chart
1) Select the data you want to display in the Radar chart.
(Note It's best not to include row or column headings in the selection.)
2) On the Insert menu, click Chart.
3) In the Chart type box, click Radar.
Advantages of Radar Graph:
- Primary way of displaying more then two or three values at once
- Excellent way to get a "feel" for data
Disadvatages of Gadar Graph:
- Cannot compare more than two or three different plots at once
- Without colouring, can be difficult to tell which points belong to who
- With coloring, color could cover up similar looking plots
- Too many axis makes it difficult to read
- Less intuitive than other graph types
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