Graphs

• What is the purpose of descriptive statistics in research?

  To summarize and display quantitative information
• How do scientists use graphs and tables?

  To understand data and communicate findings
• What types of data can be summarized using tables?

  • Raw data table
  • Frequency table (tally chart)
• What is a frequency table also known as?

  Tally chart
• What are the three columns in a frequency table?

  Behavioral category, tally marks, total tally
• What does the central tendency record in descriptive statistics?

  The mean for each condition
• What measures of dispersion are included in descriptive statistics?

  Range and standard deviation
• What does a bar chart summarize?

  The frequency of categorical data
• Where is the categorical variable placed in a bar chart?

  On the X-axis
• What does the height of the bar in a bar chart represent?

  The value or frequency of that category
• Why do bars in a bar chart not touch?

  They represent distinct categories
• What do pie charts represent?

  Frequency as a percentage
• How is the area of each slice in a pie chart determined?

  By the proportion of the data set
• What do scattergrams show?

  The relationship between two covariables
• What is a key feature of histograms?

  The bars are touching
• What type of data do histograms represent?

  Continuous data
• How can line graphs be created from histograms?

  By joining the center points of bars
• What should you identify when drawing a graph?

  The type of graph needed
• What is an appropriate title for a graph?

  References the variables involved
• What should be labeled on the axes of a graph?

  The operationalized variables
• What is important for accurately plotting data?

  Correctly drawn points or bars
• What does interpreting data from a graph involve?

  Telling the story of the numbers