Charts and Graphs
A graph is a chart or drawing that shows the relationship between numbers or amounts
and helps make facts clearer and more understandable. A graph is one of the easiest
ways to compare numbers. Common graphs use bars, lines, or circles to display data.
Pictographs use symbols to represent numbers.
If you need help in making a chart or graph, easy tools are available at no charge
at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a part of the U.S. Department
of Education. Go to the
CreateAGraph page.
Let's look at ways to illustrate the underage drinking rates reported in the 2007
National Survey on Drug Use and Health:
- Among 12 or 13 year olds, 3.5 percent were past month alcohol users.
- Among 14 or 15 year olds, 14.7 percent were past month alcohol users.
- Among 16 or 17 year olds, 29.0 percent were past month alcohol users.
- Among 18 to 20 year olds, 50.7 percent were past month alcohol users.
How might you use this information to make a dramatic point? A pie chart could dispel
the myth that "everybody my age is drinking." For example, using the same numbers
and the free
NCES tool
mentioned above, you could make this pie chart:
Figure 1. Overwhelming number of 12 or 13 year olds did not use alcohol in the
past month.
Important Things To Remember When Designing Charts and Graphs
- Define the x (horizontal) axis and y (vertical) axis.
- Provide the data points and years.
- Include a title or heading that tells the story.
- Choose colors with good contrast in case a black and white copy is needed.
- List details about the source of your information.
Source
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies.
(2008).
Results From the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings.