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After researchers conduct quantitative research and analyse their results and data, they often present this data visually in tables and charts because it is an easier way to visualise the results they have found. There are some methods to present and display quantitative data in psychology. In this article, we will examine the presentation and display of quantitative data in psychology, using line graphs, tables, scattergrams, bar charts, and histograms.
Line graphs display continuous data over ‘markers’ connected by lines, to show the change in a variable over time for an individual or group.
Line graphs can also be used when the independent variable has more than one level or group to compare the groups’ scores.
Tables present the results (means and standard deviations) of each independent variable level.
Table 1.
Means and standard deviation of the number of correctly identified targets for word and emotion for both ears.
Score | Mean | Standard Deviation |
Left ear word score | 9.61 | 2.65 |
Right ear word score | 9.13 | 2.57 |
Left ear emotion score | 10.25 | 3.79 |
Right ear emotion score | 8.04 | 3.99 |
This table summarises the results of a study on the correct identification of words and emotions for each ear. The four conditions for the independent variable are given with the mean and standard deviation of the results for each condition.
Scattergrams are used to show the correlation between two different variables. Each of the dots on the graph represents the outcome of each participant. The direction of the dots indicates whether the data has a positive, negative, or zero/no correlation.
Variables can have a:
The more you study for a test, the better your test score.
The more someone works, the less free time they have.
Bar charts show the mean scores of different groups and they are great at presenting nominal data.
A bar chart could compare self-ratings of depression symptoms for patients who had either anti-depressants or cognitive behavioural therapy for six months.
A histogram looks similar to a bar chart, but it shows continuous data to connect all the bars. The y-axis of a histogram is used to represent frequency, whereas on a bar chart this shows the value. By looking at the shape of the histogram, we can see the pattern of the entire data set.
A histogram could be used to show the percentage of students on a test (continuous scale) and the number of students who scored each percentage (frequency).
In psychology, common ways to present quantitative data are line graphs, tables, scattergrams, bar charts and histograms.
When data is presented graphically, it is easier to see the data set as a whole and spot trends. The interpretation of quantitative data allows us to visualise the findings in the context of the hypothesis.
The two main methods are descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics describe the data set, such as mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics allow us to analyse the data to see if it supports our hypothesis.
Quantitative data is to do with numbers and is measurable. For example, weight in kilograms or marks on a test.
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