Graphical Representation of Data

By Prasad N.N.
Research Scholar, DoS in Library and Information Science.

Under the Guidance of Dr. Chandrashekara M Associate Professor Dept. of Library & Information Science University of Mysore, Mysore

Introduction
Whenever verbal problems involving a certain situation is presented visually before the learners, it makes easier for the learner to understand the problem and attempt its solution. Similarly, when the data are presented pictorially (or graphically) before the learners, it makes the presentation eye-catching and more intelligible. The learners can easily see the salient features of the data and interpret them.

Inventor of graphs:
William Playfair (1759-1823), Scottish engineer and political economist, is the principal inventor of statistical graphs. In 1786, he published Commercial and Political Atlas that contained 44 charts.

Continued..
He invented three of the four basic forms of graph: The statistical line graph The bar graph The pie graph

Types of Graphs
Line graphs -Polygraph Bar graphs Pie graphs Flow Charts

1. Line Graph
The line graphs are usually drawn to represent the time series data Example: temperature, rainfall, population growth, birth rates and the death rates.

Line Graph

1.2. Polygraph
Polygraph is a line graph in which two or more than two variables are shown on a same diagram by different lines. It helps in comparing the data. Examples which can be shown as polygraph are:
The growth rate of different crops like rice, wheat, pulses in one diagram. The birth rates, death rates and life expectancy in one diagram. Sex ratio in different states or countries in one diagram.

Polygraph

2. Bar graphs
It is also called a columnar diagram. The bar diagrams are drawn through columns of equal width. Following rules were observed while constructing a bar diagram: (a) The width of all the bars or columns is similar. (b) All the bars should are placed on equal intervals/distance. (c) Bars are shaded with colours or patterns to make them distinct and attractive.

Types of Bar graphs

Three Types of Bar graphs are used to represent different data sets: The simple bar diagram Compound bar diagram Polybar diagram

The simple bar diagram

A simple bar diagram is constructed for an immediate comparison. It is advisable to arrange the given data set in an ascending or descending order and plot the data variables accordingly. However, time series data are represented according to the sequencing of the time period.

The simple bar diagram

Compound bar diagram

When different components are grouped in one set of variable or different variables of one component are put together, their representation is made by a compound bar diagram. In this method, different variables are shown in a single bar with different rectangles.

Compound bar diagram

Polybar diagram
The line and bar graphs as drawn separately may also be combined to depict the data related to some of the closely associated characteristics such as the climatic data of mean monthly temperatures and rainfall.

Polybar diagram

3. Pie graphs
Pie diagram is another graphical method of the representation of data. It is drawn to depict the total value of the given attribute using a circle. Dividing the circle into corresponding degrees of angle then represent the sub sets of the data. Hence, it is also called as Divided Circle Diagram.

Pie graphs

Flow Maps/Chart
Flow chart is a combination of graph and map. It is drawn to show the flow of commodities or people between the places of origin and destination. It is also called as Dynamic Map. Transport map, which shows number of passengers, vehicles, etc., is the best example of a flow chart.

Conclusion
If the information is presented in tabular form or in a descriptive record, it becomes difficult to draw results. Graphical form makes it possible to easily draw visual impressions of data. The graphic method of the representation of data enhances our understanding. It makes the comparisons easy. Besides, such methods create an imprint on mind for a longer time