In comparison to the tabular presentation of data or textual representations, the diagrammatic presentation of data provides a more rapid grasp of the actual scenario that will be determined by the data. It does an admirable job of converting the abstract concepts contained in numbers into a form that is both more tangible and easier to grasp in a shorter amount of time. Although their accuracy may be questioned, diagrams are far superior to tables when it comes to effectively portraying the data. Diagrams come in a wide variety of forms and are used in a variety of contexts. The following are the ones that stand out as particularly important among them:
(i) Geometric diagram
(ii) Frequency diagram
(iii) Arithmetic line graph
Basics of Diagrammatic Presentation
Diagrammatic Presentation as a Conceptual Framework
- Pictograms, cartograms, bar graphs, and pie diagrams are all examples of this method of data presentation, which is known as data visualisation. It is the method of representing statistical data that is the most attractive and appealing to the eye. Diagrams are useful for making visual comparisons, and they provide an overview of the situation.
- When we display facts using pictograms, we make use of pictures. For instance, if we need to demonstrate how automobiles are manufactured, we may draw automobiles. Let’s say the total number of automobiles produced is 40,000; to illustrate this, we can draw a graphic with four cars, where each car symbolises 10,000 individual units.
- In the field of cartography, the use of maps to illustrate the geographical distribution of various elements is known as cartography.
- Bar graphs have a rectangular shape and are always positioned on the same foundation. The size or value of the variable is shown by the heights of the trees. Both the width of each individual bar and the distance between each pair of bars are maintained at the same level of consistency throughout.
- A pie diagram is a type of diagram that uses a circle that has been partitioned or subdivided into sections in order to display the relative amounts of different data components.
- Only the one-dimensional bar and pie diagrams that were provided to us fall inside our purview, hence the other diagrams cannot be used.
General Guidelines
Every diagram needs to have its own unique title, which should be concise and self-explanatory.
- Dimensions: The diagram’s dimensions should be correct, meaning that they should not be overly small or very large.
- Paper is utilised, and blank paper is typically used while drawing diagrams.
- Scale: With respect to one-dimensional diagrams, particularly bar diagrams, the y-axis is more significant from the perspective of the decision of scale because magnitude is represented along this axis.
- Index: When two or more variables are shown and different types of line or shading patterns are used to distinguish between them, an index must be given in order to show the specifics of those variables.
- Choosing the most appropriate kind of diagram: When attempting to properly represent data, it is essential to select the appropriate kind of diagram to use.
Advantages of Diagrammatic Presentation
(1) Diagrams are eye-catching and striking in their presentation: Even the most uneducated person can be persuaded to pay attention to information that is depicted via diagrams.
(2) Simple to remember: (a) Diagrams have an excellent effect on the memorization process. (b) the mental picture that is formed by the diagrams remains in the mind for a significantly longer period of time than the mental picture that is formed by the figures presented in tabular form.
(3) The use of diagrams helps save time in several ways: (a) They simplify the presentation of complex mass data. (b) If the information is presented in the form of diagrams, it is much easier for the user to comprehend the material.
(4) Diagrams make it easier to understand the data by simplifying it. Diagrams are used to depict a large amount of complex material in a form that is simplified, comprehensible, and straightforward.
(5) Diagrams are helpful for making comparisons: When two different sets of data are presented visually using diagrams, it is much simpler to compare the two sets of data.
(6) Even more enlightening: Diagrams not only display the qualities of the data, but they also bring out other hidden facts and relations that are not feasible from the classified and tabulated data. This is because diagrams bring out hidden facts and relations in a way that tabulated and classified data cannot.
Types of One-Dimensional Diagrams
A diagram is said to be one-dimensional if only one dimension, the length of the diagram, is taken into consideration. It is possible to represent it using a line or a number of other kinds of bars.
The various kinds of one-dimensional diagrams can be broken down into the following categories.
(1) Simple bar diagram
A simple bar diagram is made up of a collection of rectangular bars that are all the same width. One bar represents one category or class of data.
(2) Multiple bar diagram
When we need to draw a comparison between two or more variables, such as income and spending, import and export for different years, marks received in different courses while attending different classes, etc., we turn to this diagram.
(3) Subdivided bar diagram
In order to create this figure, the bars were first divided according to the ratio of the various components.
(4) Percentage bar diagram
The bar diagram that is subdivided and then presented on a % basis is referred to as a percentage bar diagram.
(5) Broken-scale bar graphic
This graphic is utilised in situations in which the value of one observation is significantly greater than that of the other.
It’s possible that the larger bars in the series will need to be split up in order to make room for the smaller ones.
At the very top of each bar is a number that corresponds to its value.
(6) Deviation bar diagram
The net changes in the data, such as net profit, net loss, net exports, net imports, and so on, are represented by deviation bars in the chart.
Meaning of Pie Diagram
A circle that has been cut into sections is referred to as a pie diagram. The magnitude of each component as a part of the whole can be inferred from the size of its corresponding section.
Constructing a pie chart involves the following steps:
- To calculate the amount of angle for each item, first convert the given values into percentage form, and then multiply this new value by 3.6′.
- Create a diagram by drawing a circle and beginning at the twelve o’clock position.
- Using the protector (D), take the angle that is the highest initially, and then mark the angles that are progressively lower.
- To highlight the unique characteristics of each item, shade its various angles in a variety of ways.
Conclusion
Charts, diagrams, and photographs offer a visually appealing depiction of statistical data. Both the learned and the ignorant members of society can benefit from a better understanding of how diagrammatic representation works. The following are some of the benefits that come with presenting data diagrammatically: Diagrams simplify the communication of complex ideas. You are able to simplify the representation of extremely large amounts of data. They make previously unknown things known.