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Using Graphs and Charts To Summarize Reports

The document discusses different types of graphs and charts that can be used to summarize reports, including bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs and histograms. It provides details on when each type is most useful based on the type of data, and guidelines for formatting graphs and charts such as keeping it simple, titling them clearly, and labeling axes and parts.

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Rotto Sora
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24 views

Using Graphs and Charts To Summarize Reports

The document discusses different types of graphs and charts that can be used to summarize reports, including bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs and histograms. It provides details on when each type is most useful based on the type of data, and guidelines for formatting graphs and charts such as keeping it simple, titling them clearly, and labeling axes and parts.

Uploaded by

Rotto Sora
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Using Graphs and

Charts to Summarize
Reports
• Graphs and charts condense large amounts of information into easy-to-
understand formats that clearly and effectively communicate important
points. Think about the purpose of your graph or chart and what you want
to present, then decide which variables you want to include and whether
they should be expressed as frequencies, percentages, or categories.
• When you decide what kind of graph or chart best illustrates your data, you
should consider what type of data you are working with. Categorical data
are grouped into non-overlapping categories (such as grade, race, and yes
or no responses).
• Bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts are useful for displaying categorical
data. Continuous data are measured on a scale or continuum (such as
weight or test scores). Histograms are useful for displaying continuous data.
Bar graphs, line graphs, and histograms have an x- and y-axis. The xaxis is
the horizontal part of the graph and the y-axis is the vertical part.
Types of Graphs and Charts
• A bar graph is composed of discrete bars that represent different
categories of data. The length or height of the bar is equal to the
quantity within that category of data. Bar graphs are best used to
compare values across categories.
• A pie chart is a circular chart used to compare parts of the whole. It is
divided into sectors that are equal in size to the quantity represented.
• A line graph displays the relationship between two types of
information, such as number of school personnel trained by year.
They are useful in illustrating trends over time.
• A histogram has connected bars that display the frequency or
proportion of cases that fall within defined intervals or columns. The
bars on the histogram can be of varying width and typically display
continuous data.
Guidelines for Formatting Graphs and
Chart
• Keep it simple and avoid flashy special effects. Present only essential
information.
• Title your graph or chart clearly to convey the purpose. The title
provides the reader with the overall message you are conveying.
• Specify the units of measurement on the x- and y-axis. Years, number
of participants trained, and type of school personnel are examples of
labels for units of measurement.
• Label each part of the chart or graph. You may need a legend if there
is too much information to label each part of the chart or graph.

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