The following chart shows the relative progressions of the world records in each event since 1978. The performances are scaled so that the record in 1978 is represented as 1. The vertical axis is on an exponential scale (on a linear scale, the lines are too close together to be distinguished). So, the labels on the vertical axis have no meaning - the chart only shows the relative progressions of the events.
The javelin throw is omitted, since the implement specifications changed and the record was reset in 1986.
On the womens' side, several events were introduced and started to be contested widely since 1978. So, the Triple jump, Hammer throw, 20 km walk and 3000m steeplechase are omitted in addition to the Javelin, and with that, the chart starts in 1982.