Basic HTML Version
Q
uantitative
R
easoning &
P
roblem
S
olving
254
© 2014 Pacific Crest
graph
— a visual representation of data (usually numeric) that shows relationships within that data
graphic
— a visual image or design
legend
— a key that indicates what different aspects of the graphic represent
line graph
— a line that connects data points to show changes in the variables represented on the axes
pictograph
— a bar graph where pictures are used instead of bars
pie chart
— categorical data represented as percentages of a circle
scatter plot
— plots two categorical variables to show correlation
x-axis
— the horizontal portion of the graphic; it should indicate what is being measured
y-axis
— the vertical portion of the graphic; it should indicate what is being measured
I
nformation
What you need to know
R
eadings
M
ethodology
I
nterpreting a
G
raphic
Step
Explanation
1.
Title and legend
Analyze the context of the graphic based upon the title and legend
2.
Identify graphic
type
What type of graphic is the graph or diagram?
3.
Identify variables,
units, and scales
Determine how many variables are being represented, determine what is
being measured and what are the units of these measurements.
4.
Identify
assumptions
To interpret the graphic we must take the information we have, identify
information we’re missing, and clarify all assumptions we are making.
5.
Interpret
What information and meaning can you obtain from the graph?
6.
Critique the
graphic
What issues exist with the graphic that can cause misinterpretation or
prevent a full interpretation?
7.
Report
Communicate the findings in a simple report.