{"id":397,"date":"2023-08-14T18:21:11","date_gmt":"2023-08-14T22:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/whywriteguide2e\/?post_type=chapter&p=397"},"modified":"2023-09-28T15:17:13","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T19:17:13","slug":"6-6-visualizing-data","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/whywriteguide2e\/chapter\/6-6-visualizing-data\/","title":{"raw":"6.6 Visualizing Data","rendered":"6.6 Visualizing Data"},"content":{"raw":"Although much writing in the social sciences is heavily text-based (and later in this chapter we\u2019ll outline some of the common writing assignments you\u2019ll encounter), sometimes it can be more helpful to explain data and relationships within data with visuals in addition to words. Generally speaking, data is often summarized and communicated in text, tables, or figures. Using graphics and images can help readers understand relationships within data that might not otherwise be obvious, or might be difficult to explain in text alone. The use of graphics and images to explain data is called data visualization.\r\n\r\nThe most common kinds of data visualization that you\u2019ll be encountering in your writing are tables and figures. There are many \u201chow to\u201d guides on creating tables and figures\u2014the Writing Centre at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has an excellent resource on tables and figures<\/a>\u2014but the purpose for this section is to emphasize the importance of audience when using tables and figures.[footnote]On a related note, because we know that our audience for this chapter is made up primarily of students in the social sciences\u2014or, at the very least, students enrolled in a social science course or two!\u2014we\u2019ve opted to format the tables and figures in this section in APA style, even though the rest of the chapter is in Chicago.[\/footnote]\r\n

Tables<\/h2>\r\nTables present data\u2014usually numbers or text\u2014in columns. They can make a paper easier to read because they take data that\u2019s listed and remove it from the written text. Tables are a tool for communicating data, and a well organized table can really make a difference in terms of readability. So, it\u2019s important to consider how you want to organize your data so that your reader can appreciate its significance.\r\n\r\nThe elements you might want to consider when organizing your data include legend or title, column titles, and the table body. Tables are usually read from top to bottom, so the title should be placed above the table body, at the top. Column titles simplify and clarify a table, giving the reader tools to understand the table components. The table body is where you present your data. Reflect on what you want your readers to understand about your data, and try to organize that data in a way that facilitates readability (remember, tables are read from top to bottom, so group like elements so they read up and down instead of across). In Table 6.1, for example, the author is trying to communicate the similarities and differences between two different coffee chains. You can see that they\u2019ve identified several key points of comparison\u2014features that might help a coffee-drinker recognize, choose between, and maneuver in each establishment\u2014and have listed these points across the top of the table. These features are the aforementioned \u201clike elements\u201d (elements common to both coffee chains) that should be read up and down.\r\n\r\nTable 6.1\r\n<\/strong>\r\nCafe Comparison<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/td>\r\nRestaurant type<\/strong><\/td>\r\nBranding<\/strong><\/td>\r\nSizing<\/strong><\/td>\r\nPrice<\/strong><\/td>\r\nDrive-through option?<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Tim Hortons<\/strong><\/td>\r\ncafe<\/td>\r\nbrown and red<\/td>\r\nsmall, medium, large, extra large<\/td>\r\n$<\/td>\r\nalmost always<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Starbucks<\/strong><\/td>\r\ncafe<\/td>\r\ngreen and white<\/td>\r\nshort, tall, grande, venti<\/td>\r\n$$<\/td>\r\noften<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Figures<\/h2>\r\nFigures are images or graphics of results (that is, what the data means) and are often depicted in the form of graphs, charts, drawings, or maps. It\u2019s important, then, to think critically about what you're trying to communicate to your reader, and whether or not a figure would be helpful. If you\u2019re struggling to convey in words a relationship between your different data points, then a figure might be the right choice. Which kind of figure you choose often depends on the kind of relationship you want to highlight. For example, pie charts and bar graphs (like the ones in Figures 6.3 and 6.4) usually illustrate proportions or comparisons, whereas maps and photographs are often good choices for spatial relationships.\r\n\r\nFigure 6.3\r\n<\/strong>\r\nCoffee Preferences Based on a Voluntary Survey of 50 Undergraduate Students at the University of Victoria<\/em>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_455\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"859\"]\"Pie Note<\/em>: This survey was fabricated for the purposes of illustration. This figure does not represent actual data.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nFigure 6.4<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCoffee Preferences Based on a Voluntary Survey of 50 Undergraduate Students at the University of Victoria<\/em>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_456\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"804\"]\"Bar Note<\/em>. This survey was fabricated for the purposes of illustration. This figure does not represent actual data.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nFigures typically include a caption, the image or figure itself, and contextual information. Whereas tables are read top to bottom, figures are usually read from bottom to top, so captions should appear below the figure. When including contextual information, try to capture relevant information that will make the figure as simple, clear, and accurate as possible for your reader. Remember, a figure is just another tool that you have to help your reader be the best reader they can be! By keeping your figures simple, clear, and accurate, you\u2019ll be able to more effectively communicate your data and their relationships to your audience, and help them to more fully appreciate your point.\r\n

Five General Tips<\/h2>\r\nRegardless of whether you\u2019re using a table or a figure, your reader will likely expect certain elements when presenting your data visualization. Think of these as some of the generic conventions of data visualization:\r\n