Data Management - Terms

bar graph

(noun) A graph consisting of horizontal or vertical bars that represent the frequency of an event or outcome. There are gaps between the bars to reflect the categorical or discrete nature of the data.

circle graph

(noun) A graph in which a circle is used to display categorical data, through the division of the circle proportionally to represent each category.

line plot

(noun) A graph that shows a mark (usually an "X") above a value on the number line for each entry in the data set.

range

(noun) The difference in value between the least and greatest terms. To find the range, subtract the lowest number from the greatest.

survey

(noun) The list of questions you ask to gain data.

median

(noun) The middle term in a data set once the numbers are arranged least to greatest.

data

(noun, plural; singular datum) Facts collected for analysis.

mean

(noun) The average; it is calculated by adding up all the terms and dividing by the number of terms.

scatter plot

(noun) A graph designed to show a relationship between corresponding numbers from two sets of data measurements associated with a single object or event; for example, a graph of data about marks and the corresponding amount of study time. Drawing a scatter plot involves plotting ordered pairs on a coordinate grid. Also called scatter diagram.

broken-line graph

(noun) A graph formed by line segments that join points representing the data. The horizontal axis represents discrete quantities such as months or years, whereas the vertical axis can represent continuous quantities.

double bar graph

(noun) A graph that combines two bar graphs to compare two aspects of the data in related contexts; for example, comparing the populations of males and females in a school in different years. Also called comparative bar graph.

continuous line graph

(noun) A graph that consists of an unbroken line and in which both axes represent continuous quantities, such as distance and time.

pictograph

(noun) A graph that uses pictures or symbols to compare frequencies.

census

(noun) A survey for all members of a group (the "whole" population).

sample

(noun) A survey for selected members of a group.

trial

(noun) A test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something.

histogram

(noun) A type of bar graph in which each bar represents a range of values, and the data are continuous. No spaces are left between the bars, to reflect the continuous nature of the data.

graph

(noun) A visual representation of data.

stem-and-leaf plot

(noun) An organization of data into categories based on place values. The plot allows easy identification of the greatest, least, and median values in a set of data.

discrete data

(noun) Data that can only take certain values (like whole numbers), things that are counted.

continuous data

(noun) Data that can take any value (within a range), data that is measured.

qualitative data

(noun) Descriptive information (it *describes* something).

mode

(noun) Most common or frequently occuring term in a data set.

quantitative data

(noun) Numerical information (numbers).