See Like a Scientist
Introduction:Axes and Scales
In the Physics Module we have been looking at scale and concepts that move between atoms and galaxies. In today’s See Like a Scientist exercise, we will look at how scale is represented in visuals, specifically in items with two axes like bar charts and scatterplots.
What are they? These visuals help you to compare information based on at least two characteristics (e.g. time, growth, size, money, population, etc.). For a video description of creating and interpreting bar charts, go here:
http://stattrek.com/statistics/charts/histogram.aspx
And click on the “View Video” button.
For a description of creating and interpreting scatterplots, go here:
http://stattrek.com/statistics/charts/scatterplot.aspx?Tutorial=AP
And click on the “View Video” button.
Visit the following sites and take note of where you might be misled when trying to interpret axes:
http://filipspagnoli.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/lies-damned-lies-and-statistics-4-manipulating-the-y-axis-scale-in-graphs/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misleading_graph
The main lesson to be learned is that you need to pay attention to the scale being used to describe information given to you. Now let’s look at a particular treatment of an axis that might affect information that we talked about this week.
Visit the following site and examine the difference between Log and Linear Charts:
http://www.fool.com/foolfaq/foolfaqcharts.htm
After you have read the above, take a look at this example:
Graphs from:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/naomirobbins/2012/01/19/when-should-i-use-logarithmic-scales-in-my-charts-and-graphs/3/
Given your understanding now, go and answer some questions on the physicist SEE LIKE A SCIENTIST discussion forum.
In the graphs, the x-axis (the horizontal one) is year and on the y-axis (vertical or upright one) is the number of fish killed from environmental pollutants. Do you think the same data are being graphed in the two visuals above? Does one of these make you want to enact environmental protections more than the other? Is it ethical to choose a visual type that is more persuasive? Do you think one of these graph types would be better for helping you discuss concepts in physics and astronomy? Why or why not?
Emerging (1) Comparison of two graphs is minimal or missing. Consideration of role of display style on decision-making about environmental protections is minimal or missing. Discussion of ethics in visual choice minimal or missing. Analysis of role of graph style in physics and astronomy is minimal or missing.
Developing (2) Comparison of two graphs recognizes differences and role display can have on decision-making about environmental protections. Discussion of ethics in visual choice is present. Analysis of role of graph type in physics and astronomy is present.
Proficient (3) Comparison of two graphs is aligned with clear differences and similarities, and role of display is related back to bias in cognitive processes. The role of ethics in visual choice is considered and discussed. Analysis of role of graph type in physics and astronomy includes discussion of large scales and times.
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