1. Graphing and Analyzing Data

2. Independent vs. Dependent
In an experiment, the variable that YOU change is the Independent Variable
The variable that you measure is the Dependent variable
EX: We are going to grow bean plants over the next few weeks.

3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative
Quantitative – something you observe or measure using numbers –
EX: he is 6 ft tall
Qualitative – something you observe or measure using descriptions only –
Ex:he is tall

4. Data Tables 5 10 Time (seconds) Distance (meters) Dependent
Variable
Independent
Variable
Units
Straight lines drawn with a ruler

5. Or like this…. Distance (meters) Time (seconds) 5 10 Independent
Variable
Straight lines drawn with a ruler
Time
(seconds) 5 10
Distance (meters)
Units
Dependent
Variable

6. Types of Graphs Bar Graph Line Graph Circle Graph
Qualitative vs. Quantitative
Line Graph
Quantitative vs. Quantitative
Circle Graph
Percentages

7. When to use… Bar graphs Used to show data that are not continuous.
Allows us to compare data like amounts or frequency or categories
Allow us to make generalizations about the data
Help us see differences in data
Line Graphs
For continuous data
useful for showing trends over time

8. Rules for Graphing You MUST use graph paper and a ruler!!!
The independent variable is on the X-axis
The dependent variable is on the y-axis
DRY MIX
DRY – Dependent, Responding, Y-axis
MIX – Manipulated, Independent, X-axis

9. How to set up successful graphs!

10. How to set up your graph!

11. (This is for your dependent variable)
How to set up your graph!
Y Axis
(This is for your dependent variable)

12. How to set up your graph! X Axis
(This is for your independent variable)

13. TAILS T – Title Should state the independent and dependent variables
Teachers’s Favorite Singer
T – Title
Should state the independent and dependent variables

14. Y Axis = Dependent Variable X Axis = Independent Variable
TAILS
Teachers’s Favorite Singer
T - Title
A – Axis
Identify correct axis for variables
Y Axis = Dependent Variable
X Axis = Independent Variable

15. Decide on an appropriate scale for each axis.
TAILS
Teachers’s Favorite Singer
Decide on an appropriate scale for each axis.
Choose a scale that lets you make the graph as large as possible for your paper and data
T - Title
A – Axis
S – Scale

16. How to determine scale
Scale your graph to take up a majority of your graphing area
Scale is determined by your highest & lowest number.
Scale would be from 2 – 22.
Favorite Singer
Number of Teachers
Toby Keith 22
Madonna 15
Elvis 11
Sting 5
Sinatra 2

17. TAILS T – Title A – Axis I – Interval S – Scale
Teachers’s Favorite Singer
T – Title
A – Axis
I – Interval
S – Scale 25 20 15 10 5

18. How to determine Intervals
Favorite Singer
Number of Teachers
Toby Keith 22
Madonna 15
Elvis 11
Sting 5
Sinatra 2
The interval is decided by your scale.
In this case your scale would be from 2 – 22 and you want the scale to fit the graph.
The best interval would be to go by 5’s.

19. TAILS T – Title A – Axis I – Interval S – Scale
Teachers’s Favorite Singer
The amount of space between one number and the next or one type of data and the next on the graph.
The interval is just as important as the scale
Choose an interval that lets you make the graph as large as possible for your paper and data
T – Title
A – Axis
I – Interval
S – Scale

20. LABEL your bars or data points
TAILS
Teachers’s Favorite Singer
T – Title
A – Axis
I – Interval
L – Labels
S – Scale 25 20 15
Number of Teachers 10 5
LABEL your bars or data points
Toby Keith
Madonna
Elvis
Sting
Sinatra
Singers
Label your Y Axis. What do those numbers mean?
Give the bars a general label. What do those words mean?

21. LABEL your bars or data points
TAILS
Teachers’s Favorite Singer
L – Labels
Label the variables on correct axis
Include correct units 25 20 15
Number of Teachers 10 5
LABEL your bars or data points
Toby Keith
Madonna
Elvis
Sting
Sinatra
Singers
Label your Y Axis. What do those numbers mean?
Give the bars a general label. What do those words mean?

22. TAILS
T itle
A xis
I ntervals
L abels
S cale