Data Visualization Principles

Types of Data 20.2

Variables

• Independent
• Dependent

Variable classification

• Qualitative
  • Non ordered (nominal)
  • Ordered (ordinal)
• Quantitative
  • Scalar
  • Vector
• Quantitative scales
  • Interval
  • Ratio
  • Absolute

Visualization Methods

One dependent and one independent variable 20.3.1

• Quantitative dependent and independent variables
  • Scatter plots (discrete values)
  • Line graphs (continuous values)
• Quantitative dependent and qualitative independent variable
  • Vertical and horizontal bar graphs (discrete values)
  • Range bar graphs (discrete values)
  • Pie charts (discrete values)
• Qualitative dependent and independent variables
  • Matrix chart (discrete values)

One dependent and two independent variables 20.3.2

• Quantitative dependent and independent variables
  • 3-D scatter plots (discrete values)
  • Multiple line graphs (continuous values)
  • Surface plots (continuous values)
• Quantitative dependent and qualitative independent variable
  • Grouped bar graphs (discrete values)
  • Composite bar graphs (discrete values)

Guidelines 20.4

• Use appropriate coding method for type of variables
• Make sure every geometric dimension of the visualization is coding a data dimension
• Make sure coding method has appropriate level of perceptual accuracy
• Use text to clarify data variables, legends, and key data values
• Clearly define scales
  
  

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Further Resources

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