Graphing Fun! (Data Tables & Graphs) PDF

Graphing Fun! (Data Tables & Graphs)  Graphing Purpose: By the end of the lab you should be able to: – organize and label data into a data table – draw a bar graph, line graph, pie chart, and scatter plot distribution – analyze data and interpret trends from various...

Graphing Fun! (Data Tables & Graphs)  Graphing Purpose: By the end of the lab you should be able to: – organize and label data into a data table – draw a bar graph, line graph, pie chart, and scatter plot distribution – analyze data and interpret trends from various graphs  Graphing INTRODUCTION: “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Tables and graphs can show a lot of information in an organized and concise manner. We will practice drawing and interpreting data tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts and scatter plots. The basic rules for tables and graphs include: – Keep tables and graphs simple. – Use a title that summarizes the purpose and content of the data table or graph. – Label all measurement units. – Label all components (axes, columns, rows, lines) directly. If needed, use separate legend key as needed.  Why Graph? When performing an experiment, a scientist must be able to record an immense amount of data and process that data into useful information. This is done by converting raw data into charts or tables. Then, the data must be graphed such that it can be interpreted by the public. Graphs are visual representations of data.  Types of Variables Independent variable is the variable data that you choose to measure. – Plotted on the the independent axis The dependent variable is determined by and is a function of the independent variable. – Plotted on the the dependent axis In an ideal experimental setup, the independent variable is something that we have some control and changes in some predetermined way while changes in the dependent variable are observed. What Kinds of Graphs Will We Use? Bar graphs are used when the data is grouped into ranges or categories. independent variable/ independent axis dependent variable/ horizontal bar graph dependent axis  What Kinds of Graphs Will We Use? A line graph is a way to summarize how two or more pieces of information are related and how they vary depending on one another. – Shows trends and patterns, and the highs and lows in data, often over a time-period. – Data points can be connected to show changes in between the data points that are important to the interpretation. dependent variable/ dependent axis independent variable/ independent axis  What Kinds of Graphs Will We Use? A pie chart is a circle graph divided into pieces, each displaying the size of some related piece of information. – Visually displays the proportion of parts that make up a whole, and must be drawn to scale. – Try to limit to about 6 “slices” of pie, or the pie chart will be too cluttered. dependent variable independent variable  What Kinds of Graphs Will We Use? Scatter plots look for relationships between two dependent variables. – Each of the dependent variables is given its own axis. – We use a method called “best fit curve”, the line is drawn so as to best fit the data points. If the “best fit curve” is a smooth straight line that intersects almost all the points, this is an indication that there is a strong relationship between the variables. If the “best fit curve” is a wild approximation, this is an indication that there is little or no relationship between the variables. – We cannot simply connect the dots to make our line... Interpreting Scatter Plots  Interpreting Scatter Plots negative relationship no relationship positive relationship (mild) (strong) dependent variable/ dependent axis  Organizing the Data: Bar Graphs Scientific collaboration is a social network where scientists are co-authorships in their work. – The scientific community is a diverse network of interacting scientists. – It is one of the most well documented forms of scientific collaboration. Right now, please work in groups of 4 (no more!) to construct a bar graph with the English Sparrow data. Organizing the RAW Data Organizing the PROCESSED Data Organizing the PROCESSED Data  Organizing the GRAPHED Data title: tell your reader everything they need to know about what they are seeing in your graph without them needing to ask you anything X-axis: independent variable (if plotting a vertical graph) or Dependent Y-axis: variable (if plotting Dependent variable (if plotting a horizontal graph) a vertical graph) or independent variable (if plotting a horizontal graph)  What You Should Know… Be able to describe the purpose and use of each of the four graph types. Be able to construct AND interpret (answer questions about) a graph. Be able to identify the independent and dependent variables in a data set. Be able to calculate each of the four statistical calculations discussed in this activity (a non-signal transmitting calculator will be permitted on quizzes and exams).  NEXT WEEKS’ REMINDERS: Be sure to review the syllabus and email me at THROUGH CANVAS if you have any questions. Be sure to read “Microscope” in advance of class next week. Lab quiz #1: – topics: Introduction, Lab Safety & Graphing – bring a Scantron form 815-E – be sure to bring a pencil (pens are unacceptable for quiz) – basic calculator optional (scratch paper will be provided) must not be able to transmit a signal to the internet