presentation and display of quantitative data

Question 1

What are the key methods for presenting quantitative data in psychology?

Answer 1

• Tables
• Bar charts
• Histograms
• Line graphs
• Scattergrams

Question 2

When should a bar chart be used?

Answer 2

Bar charts are used for discrete data (separate categories) like scores from different groups. The bars should not touch, and each bar represents a category.

Question 3

When should a histogram be used?

Answer 3

Histograms are used for continuous data (e.g. time, age). The bars touch, and the data is grouped into intervals (classes). It shows the frequency distribution.

Question 4

When is a line graph appropriate?

Answer 4

Line graphs are used to show changes over time for continuous data—helpful in repeated measures designs or time-series data.

Question 5

What is a scattergram and when is it used?

Answer 5

Scattergrams show correlations between two continuous variables (e.g. stress and illness). Each point represents a paired data set.

Question 6

What should a good data table include?

Answer 6

• Clear titles for rows and columns
• Units of measurement
• Summary statistics (e.g. mean, SD)
• Clear, organised formatting for easy reading

Question 7

What’s a simple way to check if you’re using the right data display?

Answer 7

• Is my data discrete or continuous?
• Am I showing frequencies, correlations, or changes over time?
• Is the graph easy to interpret and correctly labelled?