Unit 4: Telling the Story
Data are often visualized through collections of organized charts and graphs that relate to a common theme. A problem should be clearly defined, and each chart in a dashboard or slideshow should be immediately relevant in answering that problem. This unit discusses using data and charts to "tell a story" that informs or persuades an audience.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- design a chart to solve an applied problem;
- organize charts into a presentation; and
- evaluate when visualizations are needed to explain a concept.
4.1: Data Visualization Design
All statistical analyses are guided by a research question. Properly defining all variables and clearly stating a problem are the first steps in the data presentation process. This article discusses the operationalizing of variables.
A visualization must be easily understandable by everyone who sees it. This article demonstrates some ways to ensure that charts are understandable and engaging.
Review these "dos and don'ts" of presenting data in infographics. Pay attention to the amount of information, images, colors, and charts you should use. Take notes and become familiar with how to conduct a squint test before finalizing your presentation.
4.2: Data Visualization and Dashboards
This article gives an overview of dashboards in visualization and data storytelling. The authors provide five simple principles for creating simple and effective dashboards. Note the five principles the authors provide.
4.3: Data Presentation
Read this article on using figures and tables to simplify or break down complicated information in a way that is accessible and understandable to your audience. Take notes on each section and pay attention to the type of figure/chart used, what it requires, why it is used, when it is best used, and what to avoid when using it. Think of a data set where you can apply each type of figure/table to present.
Read the article and take notes on preparing a powerful slide deck. Use a presentation you prepared or located on a topic of interest to make this activity more engaging. Follow the ten tips, adjust the slides, then rename the presentation and save it as the new version. Once you are done, compare the two versions and reflect on the improvements.
Unit 4 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.