Visualize This, 2nd Edition

Ch.8Analyzing Data Visually

Visualization reveals patterns in data that you might not have seen otherwise, but there are infinite choices for how you can visualize a single dataset. What you see depends on what you look for. Data analysis helps you filter through noise, answer questions, and guide you toward interesting areas. You can use the tools and methods you've learned so far in this process.

GATHERING INFORMATION

For those new to visualization, it's easy to see finished graphics and appreciate the power of displaying patterns. A generic spreadsheet of numbers transforms into obvious insights. It can seem automatic. Plug a dataset into a tool, and the truth reveals itself. Sometimes, this happens, but more often, there is a not-so-elegant process of gathering information that leads to insight.

A question or a curiosity kickstarts the process. You gather data. Check to see if the data is worth digging into with quick charts and overviews. If there's something there, then you spend time exploring details. You ask more questions, maybe gather more data, filter out noise (or focus on it), and repeat the process until you reach conclusions.

Practitioners walk through this process in different ways, depending on the data, the application, the field of study, the available resources, the tools on hand, and the questions they're asking. Some use statistical tests. Some run simulations. Some use visualization. Some use heavy computing. Go with what suits your needs.

I take ...