Visual displays should use comparison to convey data
Summary
- Visual representation of data should show clearly comparisons
Details
- Statistics analysis is fundamentally based on comparing.
- visual aids should clearly show this
Reflections
- this also applies to non-visual representation. teaching is a function of showing differentiation
References
Quotes
In Beautiful Evidence, Edward Tufte explains the logic behind visual representations of data:
The fundamental analytical act in statistical reasoning is to answer the question “Compared with what?” Whether we are evaluating changes over space or time, searching big databases, adjusting and controlling for variables, designing experiments, specifying multiple regressions, or doing just about any kind of evidence-based reasoning, the essential point is to make intelligent and appropriate comparisons. Thus visual displays, if they are to assist thinking, should show comparisons.[