Quantitaive Data

Question 1

Summarise bar charts

Answer 1

• Show data in the form of categories (discrete data) that the researcher wishes to compare (e.g. males, females).

• The bars must be the same width and separated by a space because the data is discrete.

• The x-axis should be labelled with categories; the y-axis should be labelled with “Frequency” or “Number of…”

Question 2

What is histogram ?

Answer 2

• Show data where both variables follow a numbered scale (continuous data) (e.g. time, height, test score).
• In a simple histogram the bars can be same width but they can vary. There must be no space between the bars because
the data is continuous.

• The x-axis should be labelled with numbers (or numerical groups); the y-axis on a simple histogram should be labelled with “Frequency” or “Number of…”

Question 3

What is a scattergram?

Answer 3

• Display findings of correlational studies.
• The x-axis and y-axis should be labelled with the co-variables.
• A dot/cross is plotted to indicate the value of each co-variable. A line-of-best-fit can be drawn, but is not necessary.

Question 4

What are tables?

Answer 4

Tables are used to summarise raw data and typically include a measure of central tendency and measure of dispersion. They should be clearly labelled and easy to read.