Using Beam and Fulcrum Displays to Explore Data

Abstract

Abstract The beam-and-fulcrum display is a useful complement to the boxplot. It displays the range, mean, standard deviation, and studentized range. It reveals the existence of outliers and permits some assessment of shape. Embellishments to the beam-and-fulcrum diagram can show the item frequency, and/or a confidence interval for the mean. Its intuitive simplicity makes the beam-and-fulcrum an attractive tool for exploratory data analysis (EDA) and classroom instruction.