Data Analysis Tutorial

Session 4: Data Visualization

Overview

In Sessions 1-3, you learned about research methods and the data analysis techniques within comparison and descriptive methods. In Session 4, we'll explore data visualization using Excel so that you can put this information into action in the Mock Data Analysis Assignment.

As you dig into these tutorials and complete the mock data analysis activity, we want you to focus on these three concepts, as outlined in Using Graphs and Visual Data in Science by Egger and Carpi (n.d.).

1. Visual representations of data are essential for both data analysis and interpretation.

2. Visualization highlights trends and patterns in numeric datasets that might not otherwise be apparent.

3. Understanding and interpreting graphs and other visual forms of data is a critical skill for scientists and students of science.

Resources and Modules on Data Visualization

In Session 4, you'll get acquainted with data literacy through data visualization by reviewing multiple data visualization resources. In this session, you'll complete the following:

Effective Data Visualization in the Era of COVID-19 (Time Estimation: 30 Minutes)

• First, click on the link to open Effective Data Visualization in the Era of COVID-19 where you'll enter your first name, last name, and email address.
• Once you’ve entered your credentials, then the webinar will begin streaming.

Excel Data Visualization Course – Guide to Charts & Dashboards (Time Estimation: 1 hour)

Before you dig into this video module, you'll need to make sure that you have Excel (free for all MSU students) downloaded. You can access the download here. Not only will you need Excel to engage with this module, but you'll need it for your capstone project too. Excel is the software that all MSSE students will use to create data visualizations for their capstone paper.

• First, click on the link to open Excel Data Visualization Course – Guide to Charts & Dashboards.
• Watch from the Introduction (0:00) to the end of Best Practices for Chart Customization (32:28).

Additional Resources for Session 4

• Watch this video on writing a narrative using Claims - Evidence - Reasoning.
• Review Session 4 Resources in the Data Analysis Tutorial Readings & Tutorials notebook.
• Proper formatting of Figures and Tables for MSSE.

Mock Data Analysis Assignment

End of Session Reflection

Questions to Ponder

• What is one thing you learned from Session 4?
• How will  you apply what you've learned in Session 4 to your capstone project?
• Muddiest point: What questions do you have for your instructor and/or peers about Session 4?