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Types of Diagrammatic Representation

In comparison to tabular or textual representations, the diagrammatic display of data provides an immediate understanding of the true scenario to be defined by the data. It efficiently converts the exceedingly complex ideas contained in numbers into a more concrete and readily understandable form.

For the presentation of statistical data, diagrams are a crucial operational tool. They are geometrical figures such as lines, circles, and bars, among others. Statistics that are presented using diagrams make it easier and simpler to understand and portray any form of data.

What is a Diagrammatic Data Representation?

A diagrammatic representation of data is defined as a representation of data aided by diagrams to boost the simplicity of the statistics surrounding the concerned data. These diagrams are just geometrical figures used to enhance the overall presentation and provide visual aid to the reader.

What are the Different Types of Data Presentation Diagrams?

The type of diagram that is appropriate for data display is solely determined by the dataset and its statistical components. In data presentation, there are many different sorts of diagrams. They fall into one of the following categories of one-dimensional diagrams:

Different sorts of diagrams are used in practice, and new ones are continually being created. Several types of diagrams are classified under the following headings for ease of use and simplicity:

(i) One Dimensional Diagrams or Bar Diagrams

(ii) Two Dimensional Diagrams

(iii) Pie Diagrams

(iv) Pictogram 

(v) Cartogram 

One Dimensional Diagrams or Bar Diagrams

A one-dimensional diagram is one in which the length of the diagram is the sole consideration. It can be depicted as a line or as different types of bars.

Bar Diagram Properties – Bars can be utilised in both vertical and horizontal directions.

  • These bars are all the same width.
  • A common base connects all of the bars.
  • The needed value is commonly represented by the height of the Bar.

The types of one-dimensional diagrams are as follows.

  • A simple bar graph

Each class or category of data is represented by a group of rectangular bars of equal width in a simple bar diagram.

  • Bar graph with many bars

When we need to compare two or more variables, such as revenue and spending, import and export for different years, marks received in different subjects in different classes, and so on, we utilise this diagram.

  • Bar diagram with subdivided bars

Subdividing the bars in the ratio of various components creates this diagram.

  • Diagram of a percentage bar

The % bar diagram is a subdivided bar diagram displayed on a percentage basis.

  • Bar diagram with broken scale

When the value of one observation is exceptionally high in comparison to the other, this diagram is utilised.

The larger bars of the series may be broken to make room for the series’ smaller bars.

Each bar’s value is written at the top of the bar.

  • Diagram of the deviation bar

Net changes in the data, such as net profit, net loss, net exports, net imports, and so on, are represented by deviation bars.

Two Dimensional Diagrams

In one-dimensional diagrams, only the length of the bar is important, and bars are compared solely on the basis of their lengths, whereas in two-dimensional diagrams, both the length and width of the bars are considered, i.e. numerical figures are represented by areas of the bars in two-dimensional diagrams. As a result, two-dimensional diagrams are referred to as “Area Diagrams.”

The types of two-dimensional diagrams are as follows:

  • Rectangles 
  • Squares
  • Circles

Pie Diagram

A pie diagram is a circular with parts cut out of it. The magnitude of each component as a part of the whole is indicated by the size of each segment.

To understand what a Pie Diagram is, familiarise yourself with the principles of geometrical theories and the Circle formula. The sectors of a circle are employed as the data points of a certain dataset in statistical representation. The area of a circle generated by the divisions made by the radii of the same circle is known as a sector.

The steps needed in making a pie chart

  • To calculate the amount of angle for each item, convert the following values to percentage form and multiply by 3.6′.
  • Start the diagram at 12 o’clock and draw a circle around it.
  • With the protector (D), start with the highest angle and then work your way down.
  • To highlight distinction between each item, shade different angles differently.

Pictogram

Pictograms, often called picture grammes, are commonly used to illustrate statistical data. Pictograms are created using photographs.

These diagrams point to the nature of the facts being represented.

Pictograms are visually appealing and simple to understand, making them ideal for presenting statistics to the general public.

A properly chosen image is used as a symbol to represent the units or values of any variable or commodity. In nature, the visual symbol must be self-explanatory. For example, if an increase in the number of Airlines Companies is to be depicted over time, an aeroplane would be the ideal symbol.

The following are the advantages of pictograms:

  • Counting the photos can reveal the magnitudes of the variables.
  • Even someone who is uneducated can obtain the information.
  • Pictorial representations of facts are easier to remember.

Cartogram

Cartogram is the representation of numerical facts using a map. The influence of the outcomes on different geographical areas can be illustrated and compared using maps to represent the information. Maps are useful for comparing different districts within a state or different states within a country. Cartograms can be used to show wheat output in different geographical areas, for example. The quantities on the map can be represented in a variety of ways, including using shades or colours, dots, or placing pictograms in each geographical area, or by using the proper numerical figure in each geographical area.

Diagrammatic Presentation Benefits

There are multiple advantages to using various types of diagrams to show data. They are –

1. Makes things a lot easier to comprehend

The use of diagrams to convey data makes it easier for everyone to understand, making it easier to comprehend the facts underlying the data presented. Newspapers, periodicals, and even advertising campaigns frequently use diagrammatic data presentation to help the general public grasp what the data is trying to reveal.

2. The presentation is much more straightforward.

The display of extreme values – large amounts of unstable data as well as tiny amounts of intricate data – can be simplified exponentially using diagrams.

3. Comparison Operations are More Interactive 

Diagrams are used to describe data sets that need comparison of their elements. The presentation is not only appealing, but it is also great for displaying a statistical comparison.

4. Approved Universally

Diagrams are used in every academic and professional discipline around the world, including Economics, Commerce, Science, Engineering, and Statistics. As a result, this data display metric is widely recognised.

5. Enhances the overall representation of data

If diagrams or tables are not used to present data, statistics are incomplete. As a result, diagrams aid in understanding the general statistical notion of data representation.

Conclusion

Diagrams are appealing to the eye and are an excellent way to express any type of data. The complex data that we collect can be simply represented using diagrams like bar charts and pie charts. It gives the presentation a cleaner, more organised appearance. They aid the reader in visualising the event and are also highly pleasing to the eye. They are quite useful and save a lot of time and confusion. To display facts and numbers in an organised manner, all students must understand how to portray data using diagrams.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the CAT Examination Preparation.

What makes a diagrammatic presentation superior to data tabulation?

Ans. It improves visual comparison and makes the data more appealing than tabulation.

Why do journalists prefer diagrammatic data presentation?

Ans. Because it has a strong visual appeal and a long-lasting impact on its audience.

If a household spends 50% of its income on food, what is the degree of an angle in the pie diagram?

Ans. (50 ÷ 100) X 360 (Or) 50 x 3.6 = 180.

Describe a bar diagram in which all of the bars are the same height.

Ans. Diagram of percentage bars.

Which diagram can be used to represent the different components of a variable?

Ans. Diagram with subdivided bars.