Graphs and Charts Flashcards
What is a scatter graph?
Many different points plotted on a graph. Points are not joined. A line of best fit is used to show the overall pattern.
When should you use a scatter graph?
To show the relationship between two continuous variables.
What are the strength of scatter graphs?
Can show a relationship between two continuous variables.
Gives exact data.
Shows max/min/anomalies.
What are the weaknesses of scatter graphs?
Need to use a statistical test to identify the strength of a relationship
Only shows the relationship between two variable / continuous data.
When should you use a pie chart?
To show data that is percentages of a whole. (Should add up to 100%)
What is the strength of pie charts?
Shows percentage total for each category.
What are the weaknesses of pie charts?
No exact numerical data - so don’t know the total.
Only discrete data.
What is a bar chart?
Column drawn for each category. Columns/bars should not be touching. Sometimes it’s called a block graph.
When should you use a bar chart?
Show discrete data on the X axis and absolute numbers of the Y.
What are the strengths of bar charts?
Shows discrete data. Shows and can compare multiple categories. Can show a large data set.
What are the weaknesses of bar charts?
Doesn’t show relationships between categories.
Only shows discrete data.
What is a line graph?
Graph showing continuous data, all data points are joined with a line.
When should you use a line graph?
To show continuous data - for example, change over time.
What are the strengths of line graphs?
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.
What is the weakness of line graphs?
Only shows continuous data.
When should you use a kite diagram?
To show density and distribution along a transect (over distance).
What are the strengths of kite diagrams?
Shows changes over distance.
Easy to make comparisons.
Can show % data.
Can read exact data.
What are the weaknesses of kite diagrams?
Few data types e.g. vegetation cover.
Only a small number of variables.
Assumptions made about the presence of absence of species between measured points.
What are pictograms?
Uses a symbol to show the quantity of data. A key must be used to explain the symbol.
What is a radial diagram?
Data radiatas outwards from a
central point. Data is plotted at points on the
line which are joined or segments. Every
variable uses the same scale.
When should you use a radial diagram?
To show the
relationship of continuous variables to a
central point.
What are the strengths of radial diagrams?
Show relationship of many variables to a central point. Can show direction (compass points) Can compare different subjects easily - overlap polygons. Shows data trends-(high/low/outlier).
What are the weaknesses of radial diagrams?
Limited data applies.
Difficult to read exact data if overlaps
Difficult to find a suitable scale when
data has a wide range of values.
When should you use pictograms?
To show data visually.
What is the strength of pictograms?
Easy to read/visual.
What are the weaknesses of pictograms?
Partial symbols may be unclear.
All symbols must be of the same size.
Simplistic.
