Representing Data in Science

Can be used to help identify trends in data

Tables are organized according to the independent and dependent variables in the experiment

Dependent variable changes as a result of a change in the independent variable

Independent variable will be listed in rows

Dependent variable will be in columns

Most data is arranged from smallest to largest

The information in each column is identified with a heading at the top of the column

When units are used, they are included at the top of the column

Data tables should always have a title that clearly communicates what is being shown in the table

The title should refer to the variables in the experiment

Line graphs are particularly useful for showing changes in variables over time

Lines graphs are used when variables are continuous; meaning they have value including fractional values 

For example, the height of a growing plant changes continuously

As a plant grows from 10 cm to 11 cm, its height can be 10.2 cm, 10.537 cm, or any other value between 10 and 11

Two values are inversely related or have a negative correlation in the value of one variable is associated with a decrease in the value of the other variable

If an increase in the value of one variable is associated with an increase in another variable, there is a positive correlation between the two variables

If no relationship exists between two variables, there is said to be no correlation

A numerical scale is used to determine the lengths of the bars

Bar graphs can be used with either continuous or discrete data

Discrete data can ONLY have whole number values such as the number of people or trees in a neighborhood

One set of data may be shown as a bar graph

The other set may be shown in a line graph

The two data sets must share the same independent variable on the x axis

Sharing the same independent variable makes it possible to determine if a relationship exists between two dependent variables