Discussion Board Research Methods

Group Discussion Board Forum 1

Busi 600-D10

19.4: There are a number of graphic presentation forms. Which would you recommend to show each of the following? Why?

a. A comparison of changes in average annual per capita income for the United States and Japan from 1995 to 2010.

In relation to the different types of graphic presentations, a bar chart might be best suited to compare changes in average per capita income between the United States and Japan for a 15 year span. Bar charts, like line charts, have an x and y axis. The x axis is normally a measurement of time, which in this case would be the years, 1995 to 2010. The y axis would be represented by an amount or number of units, and in this example the y axis would be the average annual per capital income. The biggest reason for using a bar graph is that they are better suited for comparison. In this illustration, the United States and Japan would be compared to each other.

b. The percentage composition of average family expenditure patterns, by the major types of expenditures, for families whose heads are under age 35 compared with families whose heads are 55 or older.

To show the value of percentages of family expenditures, area charts could be a good option to show the relation of these costs for two age groups of heads of households. Pie charts are a good source for displaying percentages, but can be imprecise if not used properly. How well this type of chart is displayed is very important. In this example though, if two pie charts are used, one for each age group and then each pie chart encompasses the value of family expenses in the form of percentages, which would total 100%, the information should be displayed as a valuable piece of material.

c. A comparison of the changes in charitable giving between December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2010.

For a...