Choosing an Appropriate Display

Data can be organized in a stem-and-leaf plot, line plot, histogram, circle graph, or bar graph

A line plot uses a number line to show how often each value occurs. A stem-and-leaf plot shows all of the individual scores

A histogram displays numerical data that have been organized into equal intervals. The frequencies of the values are represented by the heights of the bars

A circle graph is often used to display qualitative data and is particularly useful to illustrate the relative sizes of parts of a whole. It is often used to display the results of opinion surveys

A bar chart or bar graph is a chart with rectangular bars with lengths proportional to the values that they represent. It is used for comparing two or more values, usually on small data sets

A bar graph and a pictograph show the number of items in specific categories. A circle graph compares parts of data to the whole

A histogram is used to show the frequency of data that has been organized into equal intervals

A line plot shows the frequency of each number. A stem-and-leaf plot lists all the individual numerical data in a condensed form

A box-and-whisker plot is used to show the distribution and spread of data. A line graph is used to show change over a period of time

A scatter plot is used to show the relationship of two data sets