Types of Statistical Diagrams
Types of Statistical Diagrams
1. LINE DIAGRAM
Definition
A line diagram is a type of chart or graph which shows information when a
series of data is joined by a line. It shows the changes in the data over a period
of time .A line diagram uses points connected by line segments from left to
right to demonstrate changes in value. The horizontal axis depicts a continuous
progression, often that of time, while the vertical axis reports values for a
metric of interest across that progression. Line diagrams make sense for
continuous data on the y-axis, since continuous data are measured on a scale
with many possible values. The interval measurement scale is intended for
continuous data.
Advantages
Useful for representing continuous data, such as change over time
Allows possible extrapolation of data
Having a line constructed from multiple data points can allow you to
make estimates of missing data
Allows comparison of two or more items to see if there is any kind of
connection or relationship
Disadvantages
Can be difficult to determine exact values at a given point of the graph
Too many lines, or even two lines that have values that are too similar,
can make comparing data difficult
Example
The line diagram above is showing the number of buses passing through
a particular street over a period of time.
2. Pie chart
Definition
A pie chart shows how a total amount is divided between levels of a
categorical variable as a circle divided into radial slices. Each categorical value
corresponds with a single slice of the circle, and the size of each slice (both in
area and arc length) indicates what proportion of the whole each category
level takes. Categorical or nominal data is appropriate for pie charts.
Advantages
It represents data visually as a fractional part of a whole, which can be
an effective communication tool for the even uninformed audience.
It enables the audience to see a data comparison at a glance to make an
immediate analysis or to understand information quickly.
To emphasize points you want to make, you can manipulate pieces of
data in the pie chart.
Disadvantages
They themselves may become crowded and hard to read if there are too
many pieces of data, and even if you add data labels and numbers may
not help here.
You need a series to compare multiple sets as this chart only represents
one data set.
To analyse and assimilate information quickly, this may make it more
difficult for readers.
Example
REGION REVENUE
NORTH $491 K
SOUTH $129 K
EAST $283 K
WEST $263 K
3.SIMPLE
BAR
DIAGRAM
DEFINITION
A simple bar diagram takes the form of a simple bar which is drawn to
represent a single data as a whole without further classification of the various
characteristics of the said data. The length of such a diagram is fixed in
proportion to the magnitude of the data while the width is fixed arbitrarily
keeping in view the number of diagrams to be accommodated on the given
piece of paper. Such a diagram can be drawn for giving a better look and
facilitating comparison. When the number of data to be represented is very
large, then bars take the form of simple lines.
Advantages
It summarises the large set of data in simple visual form.
It displays each category of data in the frequency distribution.
It clarifies the trend of data better than the table.
It helps in estimating the key values at a glance.
Disadvantages
Sometimes, the bar graph fails to reveal the patterns, cause, effects, etc.
It can be easily manipulated to yield fake information.
Example
Diagrammatic representation of data relating to monthly Expenditure of the
Lenox Hill Hospital.
4. multiple bar diagram
definition
When bar diagrams are drawn in different sets, or groups to represent two or
more aspects of data, it is a case of multiple bar diagrams. Such diagrams are
also known as compound bar diagrams which are drawn when comparison is
required to be made between any two or more aspects of a data .
Advantages
It is great for comparing categories between multiple different groups.
It make comparisons using intervals.
It can determine actual numbers.
Disadvantages
If one include too many categories, the comparisons become harder to
make.
It’s hard to determine fractions.
It’s hard to find percent in your data.
Example
Multiple bar chart showing the imports and exports of Canada from 1991 –
1995
YEARS IMPORTS EXPORTS
1991 7930 4260
1992 8850 5225
1993 9780 6150
1994 11720 7340
1995 12150 8145