Diagrams

Question 1

Describe a scatter graph

Answer 1

Many different point plotted on a graph. Points are not joined. A line of best fit is used to show the overall pattern.

Question 2

When should you use a scatter graph?

Answer 2

To show the relationship between two continuous variables

Question 3

What are the strengths of using a scatter graph?

Answer 3

Can show a relationship between two variables (patterns/trends)
Gives exact data and sample size
Shows max/min/anomalies

Question 4

What are the weaknesses of using a scatter graph?

Answer 4

Need to use a statistical test to identify the strength of a relationship
Only show the relationship between two variable/continuous data.

Question 5

When should you use a pie chart?

Answer 5

To show data that is percentages of a whole (should add up to 100%)

Question 6

What are the strengths of using a pie chart?

Answer 6

Shows percentage total for each category.

Question 7

What are the weaknesses of using a pie chart?

Answer 7

No exact numerical data - so don’t know the total.

Only show discrete (categorical) data.

Question 8

Describe a bar graph

Answer 8

column drawn for each category. Column/bar should not be touching. Sometimes called a block graph.

Question 9

When should you use a bar graph?

Answer 9

Show discrete data (categories) on the X axis and absolute numbers on the Y.

Question 10

What are the strengths of using a bar graph?

Answer 10

Show discrete data
Easy to make comparisons > as clearly show the difference between values
Can show a large data set/range of values

Question 11

What are the weaknesses of using a bar graph?

Answer 11

Doesn’t show relationships between categories

Only show discrete (categorical) data

Question 12

Describe a line graph

Answer 12

graph showing continuous data, all data points are joined with a line.

Question 13

When should you use a line graph?

Answer 13

To show continuous data - for example change over time.

Question 14

What are the strengths of using a line graph?

Answer 14

Show anomalies and range
Can read exact numbers
Show change over time so can predict what will happen in the future
Can compare multiple data sets.

Question 15

What are the weaknesses of using a line graph?

Answer 15

Only show continuous data

Question 16

When should you use a kite diagram?

Answer 16

To show density and distribution along a transect (over distance)

Question 17

What are the strengths of using a kite graph?

Answer 17

Shows changes over distance
Easy to make comparisons
Can show % data
Can read exact values

Question 18

What are the weaknesses of using a kite graph?

Answer 18

Few data types e.g. vegetation cover
Only a small number of variables
Assumptions made about the presence or absence of species between measured points

Question 19

Describe a pictogram

Answer 19

uses a symbol to show the quantity of data. A key must be used to explain the symbol.

Question 20

When should you use a pictogram?

Answer 20

To show data visually (best for small number of categories)

Question 21

What are the strengths of using a pictogram?

Answer 21

Easy to read/visual

Handles large data sets using keyed icones

Question 22

What are the weaknesses of using a pictogram?

Answer 22

Partial symbols may be unclear

All symbols must be of the same size