What graph do I need?
The table below gives an overview of the purpose and variables used in the graphs covered in this module.
| Graph type | Purpose | Variables |
|---|---|---|
| Scatter plot | • Visualising and studying relationships between variables • Assessing correlations between variables • Study data distribution | • X-axis: dependent or independent, continuous • Y-axis: dependent, quantitative (most suitable for continuous, less for discrete) |
| Line graph | • Identifying trends over time or space • Comparing multiple dependent variables of one common independent variable | • X-axis: independent, continuous with a consecutive order • Y-axis: dependent, continuous |
| Bar graph | • Comparing categories • Displaying proportions | • X-axis: independent, categorical (often nominal) • Y-axis: dependent, quantitative (generally discrete) |
