On Graphs (1970-1979)

"Charts and graphs are a method of organizing information for a unique purpose. The purpose may be to inform, to persuade, to obtain a clear understanding of certain facts, or to focus information and attention on a particular problem. The information contained in charts and graphs must, obviously, be relevant to the purpose. For decision-making purposes. information must be focused clearly on the issue or issues requiring attention. The need is not simply for 'information', but for structured information, clearly presented and narrowed to fit a distinctive decision-making context. An advantage of having a 'formula' or 'model' appropriate to a given situation is that the formula indicates what kind of information is needed to obtain a solution or answer to a specific problem." (Cecil H Meyers, "Handbook of Basic Graphs: A modern approach", 1970)

"Data should not be forced into an uncomfortable or improper mold. For example, data that is appropriate for line graphs is not usually appropriate for circle charts and in any case not without some arithmetic transformation. Only graphs that are designed to fit the data can be used profitably." (Cecil H Meyers, "Handbook of Basic Graphs: A modern approach", 1970)

"If two or more data paths ate to appear on the graph. it is essential that these lines be labeled clearly, or at least a reference should be provided for the reader to make the necessary identifications. While clarity seems to be a most obvious goal. graphs with inadequate or confusing labeling do appear in publications, The user should not find identification of data paths troublesome or subject to misunderstanding. The designer normally should place no more than three data paths on the graph to prevent confusion - particularly if the data paths intersect at one or more points on the Cartesian plane." (Cecil H Meyers, "Handbook of Basic Graphs: A modern approach", 1970)

"The numerous design possibilities include several varieties of line graphs that are geared to particular types of problems. The design of a graph should be adapted to the type of data being structured. The data might be percentages, index numbers, frequency distributions, probability distributions, rates of change, numbers of dollars, and so on. Consequently, the designer must be prepared to structure his graph accordingly." (Cecil H Meyers, "Handbook of Basic Graphs: A modern approach", 1970)

"Graphs can have various purposes, such as: (i) to help us perceive and appreciate some broad features of the data, (ii) to let us look behind those broad features and see what else is there. Most kinds of statistical calculation rest on assumptions about the behavior of the data. Those assumptions may be false, and then the calculations may be misleading. We ought always to try to check whether the assumptions are reasonably correct; and if they are wrong we ought to be able to perceive in what ways they are wrong. Graphs are very valuable for these purposes." (Francis J Anscombe, "Graphs in Statistical Analysis", The American Statistician Vol. 27 (1), 1973

"A graph presents a limited number of figures in a bold and forceful manner. To do this it usually must omit a large number of figures available on the subject. The choice of what graphic format to use is largely a matter of deciding what figures have the greatest significance to the intended reader and what figures he can best afford to skip." (Peter H Selby, "Interpreting Graphs and Tables", 1976)

"Just like the spoken or written word, statistics and graphs can lie. They can lie by not telling the full story. They can lead to wrong conclusions by omitting some of the important facts. [...] Always look at statistics with a critical eye, and you will not be the victim of misleading information." (Dyno Lowenstein, "Graphs", 1976)

"Learning to make graphs involves two things:" (l) the techniques of plotting statistics, which might be called the artist's job; and" (2) understanding the statistics. When you know how to work out graphs, all kinds of statistics will probably become more interesting to you." (Dyno Lowenstein, "Graphs", 1976)

"Probably one of the most common misuses (intentional or otherwise) of a graph is the choice of the wrong scale - wrong, that is, from the standpoint of accurate representation of the facts. Even though not deliberate, selection of a scale that magnifies or reduces - even distorts - the appearance of a curve can mislead the viewer." (Peter H Selby, "Interpreting Graphs and Tables", 1976)

"Remember, the primary function of a graph of any kind is to illustrate the relationship between two variables. [...] To draw any graph we must have established some relationship between the two variables. This relationship can be in the form of a formula" (equation is the more mathematical term), as we have just seen, or simply a set of observations, as is common in all types of statistical work. Sometimes we develop set of observations and then try to find an equation that expresses, in mathematical language, the relationship between the two variables." (Peter H Selby, "Interpreting Graphs and Tables", 1976))

"What you may call a graph, someone else may call a chart, for both terms are used for the same thing. Actually, however. the word 'chart' was originally used only for navigation maps and diagrams. Most people agree that it is best to leave the term 'chart' to the navigators." (Dyno Lowenstein, "Graphs", 1976)

"There is no more reason to expect one graph to ‘tell all’ than to expect one number to do the same." (John W Tukey, "Exploratory Data Analysis", 1977)

"[...] exploratory data analysis is an attitude, a state of flexibility, a willingness to look for those things that we believe are not there, as well as for those we believe might be there. Except for its emphasis on graphs, its tools are secondary to its purpose." (John W Tukey, [comment] 1979)

"Although advice on how and when to draw graphs is available, we have no theory of statistical graphics […]" (Stephen Fienberg, "The American Statistician", Graphical Methods in Statistics Vol. 13" (4), 1979)