LESSON 15.4 SkillBuilder: Interpreting and analysing data
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this SkillBuilder you should be able to interpret and explain a graph.
15.4.1 Tell me Interpreting and analysing data and information is another skill that you will develop while studying economics and business. This skill involves studying information to identify the main features or ideas. You may also be able to determine how the parts relate to the whole. One way in which you might analyse data and information is by interpreting information in a graph. 15.4.2 Showme Line graphs are very useful for showing trends (patterns of change over time) and comparing data. When analysing a line graph, ýrst examine the heading — what does it tell you about the data contained in the graph? Next, examine the key, which identiýes what each of the lines on the graph represents. Then look closely at the vertical and horizontal axes, which show you the variables as numbers, percentages, years and soon.
FIGURE1 Unemployment for a 10-year period in Australia
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Read the title and check the legend on the graph
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What has happened overall? Is there an increase, decrease or are the lines ‘steady’?
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Take notice of the axes. What do they tell you?
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Trend
Seasonally adjusted
When reading the lines on a graph, you should be able to see an overall picture of what is happening; that is, whether a particular variable has increased, decreased or remained steady over time. Examine these lines closely — what changes do you see? If change has occurred over time, has it been steady and gradual, or sudden and erratic? When examining a line graph, note any patterns that you identify. You will then be ready to complete your interpretation, which involves writing a paragraph to summarise the information you have found in your analysis.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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