Diagrammatic Presentation of Data: Meaning , Features, Guidelines, Advantages and Disadvantages

Diagrammatic Presentation of Data

The technique of presenting statistical data in the form of diagrams such as bar diagrams, cartograms, pie diagrams, and pictograms is known as the Diagrammatic Presentation of Data.

Statistics performs an important function by presenting a complex mass of data in a simple way that makes it easier to understand. Classification and tabulation are two techniques for presenting data in an understandable form. However, as the volume of data increases, it becomes increasingly inconvenient to understand, even after classification and tabulation. Thus, data is presented in the form of diagrams and graphs to enable the comparison of various situations and to understand the various patterns in the data at a glance.

Features of Diagrammatic Presentation of Data

• The diagrams have the unique ability to display statistical facts in the shape of attractive and appealing pictures and charts, without the need for figures altogether.
• One of the most convincing and appealing ways to present statistical results is using diagrammatic presentation.
• Diagrammatic data presentation transforms the highly abstract ideas contained in figures into a more concrete and easily understandable form.
• Evidence of this may be found in newspapers, magazines, advertisements, books, television, and so on.

The tabular data is difficult to understand for a layman. However, a single glance at the diagram provides a thorough picture of the presented data. Thus, the diagrammatic representation method is simple and easy to understand.

General Guidelines for Diagrammatic Presentation

The construction of diagrams is an art that may be learned through practice. While drawing diagrams, the following general rules/directions should be followed:

1. Appropriate Title: Each diagram should include a suitable title/heading that clearly shows the main idea or theme that the diagram wants to convey. The title/heading should be simple, clear, precise, and self-explanatory.

2. Size: The size of a diagram is determined by the quantity of data to be shown. The size should be such that it covers all of the important features of the data and can be understood by a simple glance at the diagram. The size of diagrams should be determined by the available space. It should be neither too big nor too small.

3. Proportion between Width and Height: An appropriate proportion of the diagram’s height (Vertical axis or Y-axis) and width (Horizontal axis or X-axis) should be made. If either (height or width) is too short or too long in proportion, the diagram would look bad.

4. Scale: The scale for the diagram should be selected so that the figures created may clearly represent the necessary details.

• The scale should be in even numbers or multiples of 10, 20, 30, and 40, as much as possible.
• Avoid using odd numbers such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and so on.
• The scale (for example, 1 cm = 10,000) should always be mentioned below the heading.

When the same set of data is displayed on multiple scales, the size of the diagrams may differ significantly, leading to incorrect and misleading interpretations. Therefore, it is essential to select the scale with great care and caution.

5. Index: When various things are presented on a single diagram, different shades and colours should be used to differentiate them. For easy identification and understanding of these different shades, an index describing them should also be provided.

6. Attractive Presentation: A diagram should be designed in such a way that it makes an immediate impact on the viewer. The diagram should be constructed properly and cleanly in order to attract the reader.

7. Accuracy: Diagrams should be drawn accurately by using appropriate measurement scales. Simply put. accuracy should not be compromised for appearance.

8. Simplicity: Diagrams should be as simple as possible so that the layman can easily understand their meaning.

9. Selection of a Proper Diagram: There are a number of geometrical techniques (diagrams) that can be used to show statistical data. Due to the fact that not all types of diagrams are appropriate for all types of data, extra care should be taken while selecting a particular diagram for presenting a set of figures.

Advantages of Diagrammatic Presentation

Diagrams, which provide a bird’s-eye view of a large amount of statistical data, are extremely useful and important. Following are some of the advantages of diagrammatic presentation:

1. Diagrams are Attractive and Impressive: The data presented in the form of diagrams may even grab the attention of a common person. It means that diagrams generate more interest than figures. In everyday life, one skip over the figures and instead focuses on the diagrams while reading journals, newspapers, magazines, and so on. Thus, diagrams are widely used in board meetings, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, and public functions.

2. Diagrams Facilitate Comparison: Using diagrams to illustrate two sets of data makes it easier to compare them. For example, with the help of diagrams, it becomes easy to compare the growth rate of the population of different countries.

3. Diagrams Simplify Data: Diagrams are used to represent a huge mass of complex data in a simplified and understandable format.

4. Universal Applicability: This technique can be applied universally at any time and is used in almost all subjects and other fields.

5.  Easy to Remember: Diagrams are extremely effective as they help in easily memorising information. The image generated in the mind by the diagrams lasts much longer compared to those created by figures presented in tabular form.

6. Diagrams Save Time: Diagrams present complex data in a simplified form. Hence, facts presented in the form of diagrams can be quickly understood. Besides, studying the trend and significance of voluminous data takes a long time.

7. Diagrams Provide More Information: Diagrams not only display the characteristics of data but also show hidden facts and relationships which are not possible from classified and tabulated data.

Disadvantages of Diagrammatic Presentation

Nowadays, diagrams are extremely popular. However, despite their usefulness, they have some limitations. Following are some of the limitations of diagrammatic presentation:

1. No Utility to Experts: Diagrams only provide a general understanding of the problem, which may be useful to the common person but not to experts who need an exact idea of the problem.

2. Limited Information: Diagrams only provide limited and approximate information. One must refer to the original statistical tables for more precise and in-depth information.

3. Minute Difference Presentation Is Impossible: Diagrams cannot show minute differences in large figures (observations). The precision of the values shown in the diagrams is extremely low. For instance, it will be difficult to tell the difference between two large values, such as 9,500 and 9,530, when represented in the form of a diagram.

4. Can easily be Misused: The use of the wrong type of diagram will result in an incorrect (deceptive) inference. Hence, one should always take measures to prevent them.

5. Lack of Further Analysis: Diagrams cannot be further studied for analysis.

6. Can only be used for Comparative Studies: Diagrams are only useful when comparisons are required. A single diagram is not much important. It can only be interpreted when compared to another diagram.