Presenting Data in Graphs

Question 1

where should the dependent variable be on a graph?

Answer 1

the vertical axis

Question 2

do graphs need to start from 0,0?

Answer 2

no but the scale must be continuous

Question 3

where should the independent variable be on a graph?

Answer 3

the horizontal axis

Question 4

when should a bar chart be used?

Answer 4

for discrete date (whole numbers) or named variables

Question 5

when should histograms be used?

Answer 5

for continuous data (numerical) which is grouped

Question 6

when should line graphs be used?

Answer 6

used for continuous data (numerical) which is not grouped

• if there is a clear pattern draw a line of best fit
• if there is not a clear pattern just join up the points