Understanding Graphs and Tables

Quantitative phenomena can be displayed effectively in a variety of ways, but to do so requires an understanding of both the structure of the phenomena and the limitations of candidate display formats. This paper: • Recounts three historic instances of the vital role data displays played in important discoveries, • Provides three levels of information which form the basis of a theory of display to help us better measure both display quality and human graphicacy, and • Describes three steps to improve the quality of tabular presentation.

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