Back to My Notes
Lecturer: Dr Mary Coupland
23 March - Wednesday
Resources and Activities: PowerPoint Lecture, Handout, Group Task
At this workshop, the lecturer has provided a vast information and resources toward an understanding of graphs, charts, and tables. The collection of some main features that have been learned from the workshop and the UTSOnline for Week1 is as below.
Graphs, Charts and Tables
What is the story?
Coupland (2016) advises that when using graphs, tables and charts to support an argument or make a case, it is very important to be sure that all basic errors must be avoided; and knowing [skills and knowledge] of how to be critical in evaluating graphical evidence is required.
In terms of making good visualisation, Coupland (2016) indicates the importance of effectively making features for visual display of data such as the focus on design for audience, the accurate represent the data, and keeping the display clear is carefully targeted.
In the design for the audience, it needs to organise the information for emphasising what you are trying to say to the audience.
Which graph when?
Line Graph
Used for measurements or counts which vary over time: A Time Series Example from
Column Graph
Column Graph (vertical bar chart) is useful for data that is in categories.
Categories can be grouped for comparison overtime
Bar charts can be horizontal, and side by side
Practical Tips from Dr. Mary Coupland
1-Limit the number of categories shown in a visualisation – be selective in what you present and emphasise the key message/s
2-Show the zero on the vertical axis
3-Line charts are not suitable if there are only two or three data points – use a bar chart instead
For example, if you only have data for two or three years, a line chart may give the impression of a trend.
4-Be aware of the effect of area – a circle with double the radius has four times the area
Avoid three dimensional effects – a box with double the length has eight times the volume
3D effects in Excel charts may be misleading
Use colour to highlight but be aware of the contrast – avoid patterns in fillings and backgrounds
5-Avoid a wide spread of colours when using colour to indicate changes in a physical quantity
Group Activities: Understanding and Thinking
Select a chart or graph from those available
Discuss in groups, prepare a brief report
1-Can you determine, or speculate… :
Who is the author?
Who is the audience?
What publication?
What is the source of the data?
Could you check the data if you want to?
2-What information is being communicated? What is the key idea?
3-Is the display misleading or incomplete?
4-Could the display be improved? How? If not, what features of good design does it exemplify?
Useful Links:
Bar charts vs Column charts Bar charts
Others: 1 2 3 4 5