Representing Data

How do scientists show the results of investigations?

How Scientists make sense of data?

• Organize the data through data tables• Data tables have two columns• One column – independent variable the other

column dependent variable

Scientists Graph and Analyze Data

• Type of graph depends on their data1. Scatter plot- a graph with points plotted to

show a possible relationship between two sets of data• A scatter plot has a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis• X-axis = independent variable• Y-axis= dependent variable

Scattered Plot Graph

Line of best fit

Bar Graph

• Displays and compares data in separate categories.

Circle Graphs

• A circle graph is used when you are showing how each group of data relates to all of the data.

Patterns shown in graphs

• A pattern or trend shows the relationship between the two variables in the experiment.

• Graphs show if variables are increasing, decreasing or staying the same.

Linear Relationships

• A line can show the trend of data on a graph• Linear graph is a graph which the independent

and dependent variable can be shown with a straight line.

• A straight line show the rate of change of the dependent variable with respect to the independent variable.

• Y always increases or decreases by the same value in relation to x.

Linear graphWhat value does the y-axis (dependent variable) decrease by in relation to the x-axis? (independent variable)

Nonlinear relationships

• The relationship between the independent and dependent variables are in a curve.

• The relationship between the variables cannot be shown with a straight line.

Graphs

• Graphs allow scientist to determine the relationship between variables.

• Direct relationship, the value of one variable increases as the value of the other variable increases.

Graphs

• Inverse relationship the value of one variable decreases as the other increases.

• Downward sloping line