Understanding Graphs and Tables

Abstract

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 article (a) re-counts three historic instances of the vital role data displays played in important discoveries, (b) provides three levels of information that form the basis of a theory of display to help us better measure both display quality and human graphicacy, and (c) describes three steps to improve the quality of tabular presentation.