Course discussion blog for "How to Lie with Statistics: Uses and Misuses of Numbers in Argument", a 300-level Honors course at the University of New Mexico. Anyone can read this blog, but only class members can post.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Beauty of Data Visualization
Earlier in the semester we talked about how statistics are visually represented in print and news media, and the problem of sacrificing content for the sake of creating something that is simply visually pleasing. I love TED Talks (Technology, Education, Design) and if you don't know them you should. I found this really nice one from TEDGlobal 2010 on "The Beauty of Data Visualization." It presents a starkly different view point from the one we discussed in class, suggesting that creating visuals for data can often enhance the statistics and illuminate unseen connections instead of dumbing-down or botching the stats.
Julia, I believe that any method that can enhance the public's understanding of statistics should be employed. Given the complexity of some statistical analyses, I think data visualization can be a great tool in helping to better conceptualize data. While some people are more visual learners than others, I think that visualization of data associated with statistical analyses would be beneficial to all.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteI believe that any method that can enhance the public's understanding of statistics should be employed. Given the complexity of some statistical analyses, I think data visualization can be a great tool in helping to better conceptualize data. While some people are more visual learners than others, I think that visualization of data associated with statistical analyses would be beneficial to all.