Types of Data
Displays
Based on the 2008
AZ State Mathematics Standard
Presenting Data
• Tables
– Simplest way to summarize data
– Data is presented as absolute numbers
or percentages
• Charts and graphs
– Visual representation of data
– Usually data is presented using
percentages
Pictograph
(Grades 1 and 2)
Pictograph
(Grades 1 and 2)
For Grade 1: the pictures/icons in the
pictograph represent a quantity of 1.
For Grade 2: The pictures/icons in the
pictograph represent more than 1 and a key
is required to interpret the graph.
Pictograph Example
Pictographs Summary
Pictograph Advantages Disadvantages
A pictograph uses an icon to •Easy to read •Hard to quantify partial
represent a quantity of data icons
values in order to decrease •
Visually appealing
the size of the graph. A key •Icons must be of consistent
must be used to explain the
•Handles large data sets size
icon
easily using keyed icons
•Best for only 2 – 6
categories
•Very simplistic
Tally Chart
“Favorite Pets”
(Grade 1)
Frequency Table
“Favorite Pets”
(Grades 2 and 3)
Note: A frequency table may or may not have a column for the tally marks.
Pictograph made from the previous
tally chart and frequency table
Bar Graphs
(Grades 2, 3, 4, 5)
Bar graph Advantages Disadvantages
A bar graph displays •Visually strong •Graph categories can be
discrete data in separate reordered to emphasize
columns/bars. •Can easily compare two or certain effects.
•Each bar has the same three data sets.
width and shape. •Use only with discrete data
•Each bar is separated by
a space.
•The spaces between each
bar are the same width
A double bar graph can be
used to compare two data
sets. Categories are
considered unordered and
can be rearranged
alphabetically, by size, etc.
Bar Graphs
(Grades 2, 3, 4, 5)
Grade 2: Single Bar Graph
Grade 3: Single Bar Graph
Grade 4: Double Bar Graph
Grade 5: Multi-Bar Graph
Bar Graph made from previous tally
chart and pictograph
Bar Graphs Example
Horizontal Bar Graph Example
Vertical Bar Graph Example
Which Direction?
Vertical Bar Graph
Displays data better than horizontal bar graphs,
and is preferred when possible.
Horizontal Bar Graph
Useful when category names are too long to fit at
the foot of a column.
Vertical vs. Horizontal
Double Bar Graph
(Grade 4)
Multi-Bar Graph
(Grade 5)
Line Graph
(Grades 3, 4, 5)
Line graph Advantages Disadvantages
A line graph plots •Can compare multiple •Use only with
continuous data as continuous data sets continuous data
points and then joins easily
them with a line. Multiple
data sets can be
graphed together, but a •Interim data can be
key must be used. inferred from graph line.
Line Graph
(Grades 3, 4, 5)
• Grade 3: Single Line Graph
• Grade 4: Single Line Graph
• Grade 5: Double Line Graph
Single Line Graph
(Grades 3 and 4)
Double Line Graph
(Grade 5)
Pie Chart – Circle Graph
(Grade 4)
Pie Chart – Circle Graph Example
Pie (circle) charts - more info
• A way of summarizing a set of categorical data or
displaying the different values of a given variable (e.g.
percentage distribution).
• A circle is divided into a series of segments. Each
segment represents a particular category.
• The area of each segment is the same proportion of a
circle’s area as the category is of the total data set.
• Quite popular. Circle provides a visual concept of the
whole (100%).
• Best used for displaying statistical
information when there are no more than
six components – otherwise, the resulting
picture will be too complex to understand.
• Pie charts are not useful when the values
of each component are similar because it
is difficult to see the differences between
slice sizes.
Histograms
(Grade 6)
Histogram Advantages Disadvantages
A histogram is a type of bar •Visually strong •Cannot read exact values
graph that displays because data is grouped
continuous data in ordered •Can compare to normal into categories.
columns.
curve
There is no space •More difficult to compare
between the bars. two data sets.
•Usually vertical axis is a
Categories are of
continuous measure such frequency count of items
falling into each category. •Use only with continuous
as time, inches,
temperature, etc. data.
Histogram
Histogram
Map Graph
Cosmograph
Map chart Advantages Disadvantages
A map chart displays data •Good visual appeal •Needs limited categories
by shading sections of a
map, and must include a •Overall trends show well. •No exact numerical values
key. A total data number
should be included.
•Color key can skew visual
interpretation.
Map Chart
Cosmograph
Map Graph
• Parts of whole so similar to a pie graph
• Less numerical and more graphic
Venn Diagram
Venn Diagram
Use the right type of graphic
• Charts and graphs
– Bar chart: comparisons, categories of
data
– Histogram: represents relative frequency
of continuous data
– Line graph: display trends over time,
continuous data (ex. cases per month)
– Pie chart: show percentages or
proportional share
What chart would you use to present
1. Prevalence of malaria in 3 countries over a 30
year period?
2. Data comparing prevalence of malaria in 10
different countries?
3. Data on reasons why individuals not using ITNs
(out of all individuals surveyed who own an ITN
and are not using it)?
4. Number of patients tested for malaria based on
their height.
Summary
• Make sure that you present your data in a
consistent format
• Use the right graph for the right data and the
right audience
• Label the components of your graphic (title, axis)
Venn Diagram
