Graphical Representation of Data

Graphical Representation of Data
Meaning: Graphic representation is another way of analysing numerical data. A graph is a

sort of Graph through which statistical data are represented in the form of lines or curves
drawn across the coordinated points plotted on its surface.
• Graphs enable us in studying the cause and effect relationship between two
variables.
• Graphs help to measure the extent of change in one variable when another variable
changes by a certain amount.
• Graphs also enable us in studying both time series and frequency distribution as they
give clear account and precise picture of problem.
• Graphs are also easy to understand and eye catching.
Kinds Graphical Representation:
1. Pie Graph
2. Bar graph
3. Histogram
4. Frequency Polygon
5. Cumulative Frequency Curve
6. Cumulative Percentage Curve
Bar Graphs
Meaning: A bar graph is a pictorial representation of the numerical data with rectangular
bars. The graph usually compares different categories. Although the graphs can be plotted
vertically (bars standing up) or horizontally (bars laying flat from left to right), the most usual
type of bar graph is vertical. In the construction of both these forms, the height or length of
the bar indicates on a suitable scale the corresponding value of the numerical data. The width
of the bars is not governed by any set rules. Regarding the space between two bars, it is
conventional to have space about one half of the width of a bar.
Construction of Bar Graphs
In order to draw a graph, we draw two mutually perpendicular lines. The horizontal line is
called the x-axis and the vertical line is known as the y-axis. If the bars are drawn vertically
on the x-axis then the height of the bars is shown along the y-axis. If bars are drawn
horizontally on the y-axis then the length of the bars is shown along the x-axis. Axes always
need to be labelled to show what each axis represents.
While constructing the bar graph the following points should be kept in mind:
• The width of the bar is arbitrary and is equal for all the bars.
• The height (or length) of each bar is proportional to the corresponding
frequency.
• The space between each bar is uniform.
Steps to Construct a Bar Graph
We can use the following steps to construct a bar graph from the given data:
Step 1: On the graph, draw two perpendicular lines - horizontal axis and vertical axis and label
them.
Step 2: Along the horizontal (or vertical) axis, choose the uniform width of the bars and the
uniform space between them.
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Step 3: Choose a suitable scale to determine the height (or length) of the bars, according to
the space available.
Step 4: Calculate the height (or length) of various bars and draw them on the graph.
Uses of Bar Graph:

1. Comparison of Data: Bar graphs are excellent for comparing different categories or
groups of data. Each bar represents a distinct category, and the height or length of the
bar corresponds to the value of the data it represents. This makes it easy to compare
the magnitudes of different categories visually.
2. Showing Trends over Time: Bar graphs can be used to display trends over time when
the horizontal axis represents time intervals (e.g., months, years). This allows viewers
to see how values change across different time periods, making it useful for tracking
progress or changes in data over time.
3. Categorical Data Representation: Bar graphs are suitable for representing categorical
data, where the data points fall into distinct categories. Each category is represented
by a separate bar, making it easy to visualize the distribution of data across different
categories.
4. Frequency Distribution: Bar graphs can be used to represent frequency distributions,
showing the number of occurrences of each category or value. This is particularly
useful for summarizing and visualizing large datasets with categorical variables.
5. Comparison of Multiple Variables: Multiple bar graphs can be used together to
compare different variables simultaneously. Grouped bar graphs or stacked bar graphs
allow for comparisons between multiple variables within each category, providing
insights into the relationships between different sets of data.
6. Presentation of Survey Results: Bar graphs are commonly used to present survey
results or responses to multiple-choice questions. Each category represents a possible
response option, and the height or length of the bars indicates the frequency or
percentage of respondents selecting each option.
2
7. Visualizing Rankings or Order: Bar graphs can visually represent rankings or order of
items by arranging the bars in descending or ascending order of magnitude. This allows
viewers to quickly identify the highest or lowest values within the dataset.
Frequency Polygon
Meaning: A frequency polygon is a graphical form of representation of data. It is used to
depict the shape of the data and to depict trends. It is usually drawn with the help of a
histogram but can be drawn without it as well. A histogram is a series of rectangular bars with
no space between them and is used to represent frequency distributions.
Steps to Construct a Frequency Polygon
1. Draw a horizontal line at the bottom of graph paper named ‘X’ axis. Mark off the exact
limits of the class intervals along this axis. It is better to start with c.i. of lowest value.
When the lowest score in the distribution is a large number we cannot show it
graphically if we start with the origin. Therefore put a break in the X axis () to indicate
that the vertical axis has been moved in for convenience. Two additional points may
be added to the two extreme ends.
2. Draw a v ertical line through the extreme end of the horizontal axis known as Yaxis.
Along this line mark off the units to represent the frequencies of the class intervals.
The scale should be chosen in such a way that it will make the largest frequency
(height) of the polygon approximately 75 percent of the width of the figure.
3. Plot the points at a height proportional to the frequencies directly above the point on
the horizontal axis representing the mid-point of each class interval.
4. After plotting all the points on the graph join these points by a series of short straight
lines to form the frequency polygon. In order to complete the figure two additional
intervals at the high end and low end of the distribution should be included. The
frequency of these two intervals will be zero.
• We first need to calculate the cumulate frequency from the frequency given.
• We now start by plotting the class marks such as 54.5, 64.5, 74.5 and so on till 94.5. Note
that we will also plot the previous and next class marks to start and end the polygon, i.e.
we plot 44.5 and 104.5 as well.
• Then, the frequencies corresponding to the class marks are plotted against each class
mark. Like you can see below, this makes sense as the frequency for class marks 44.5 and
104.5 are zero and touching the x-axis. These plot points are used only to give a closed
shape to the polygon. The polygon looks like this:
3
Uses of Frequency Polygon:
1. Visualizing Distribution: Frequency polygons effectively display the distribution of
data, particularly when dealing with continuous variables. They provide a smooth
curve that connects data points, offering insights into the shape and pattern of the
data distribution.
2. Comparison of Distributions: Frequency polygons allow for easy comparison
between multiple distributions or datasets. By overlaying multiple frequency
polygons on the same graph, viewers can visually compare the shapes and central
tendencies of different datasets.
3. Showing Trends over Time: Frequency polygons can be used to display trends over
time, similar to line graphs. When the horizontal axis represents time intervals,
frequency polygons visually depict changes in data over different time periods, aiding
in trend analysis.
4. Highlighting Central Tendency: Frequency polygons often include a measure of
central tendency, such as the mean or median, represented by a vertical line or
marker. This helps viewers quickly identify the central value around which the data is
distributed.
5. Identifying Skewness and Outliers: Frequency polygons can reveal the presence of
skewness or outliers in the data distribution. Skewed distributions may exhibit
asymmetry in the frequency polygon, while outliers may appear as isolated peaks or
troughs in the curve.

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Graphical Representation of Data

Meaning: Graphic representation is another way of analysing numerical data. A graph is a

Uses of Bar Graph:

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