9 Matching Annotations
  1. Jan 2025
  2. bookshelf.vitalsource.com bookshelf.vitalsource.com
    Writing about Data
    9
    1. iakaanb 29 Jan 2025
      So, what if we were to write “These data show that men are more likely to get into fatal driving accidents than women are”? This claim seems a little more credible. But, again, we need to consider how much time men and women spend behind the wheel. If men drive twice as much as women, then it should not be a surprise that they get into the majority of fatal accidents.

      nm563 When creating a story for the data it is important to not draw to a conclusion but with thought and understanding of the data make a plausible story that correlates to the data and does not extend it past what it exactly conveys.

    2. iakaanb 29 Jan 2025
      If the manager was concerned about the fact that sales overall had dropped, she might be tempted to have her graph start in May, so that her story would focus on the steady increase from May through January.

      nm563 This shows the motivation behind incorrect visualizations to create a different story for the data. This even goes to show the credibility can be affected by the way the data is presented. It also displays why a story is important to truly understand the data as it puts the data into perspective.

    3. iakaanb 29 Jan 2025
      As a consequence, any reader looking quickly at this graph would conclude that gun homicides decreased after the “Stand Your Ground” law was enacted, whereas the data actually shows gun homicides increasing. Most readers perceived this graph as outright deceitful.

      nm563 This really shows the importance of the visual elements of reported data. It holds strong significance and allows the audience to have a more efficient and educated viewing experience when done in a way that honors the reader's needs.

    4. iakaanb 29 Jan 2025
      We also need to consider the story of our data when working with qualitative data, such as quotations, observations, or descriptions.

      nm563 We should also think about the possible outliers or causes of some of the data as well as who the audience is and how it can affect the credibility of the data. How the data was achieved may also affect the credibility.

    5. iakaanb 29 Jan 2025
      One reason that numbers and statistics have such a bad reputation may be that people are simply not practiced at using them in arguments

      nm563 Often it is more difficult to use statistics in arguments because you will have to know a plethora of them to face follow up questions and unexpected comments/points from the other person.

    6. iakaanb 29 Jan 2025
      In other words, the same number presented two different ways can have very different effects on the audience.

      nm563 This is also seen in marketing sales. When a percentage off is given unless it is a very large percentage, the dollar value taken off tends to catch the user's eye more and drives a sale.

    7. iakaanb 29 Jan 2025
      “Twenty is a relatively low number. Heck, I’ve probably bought twenty raffle tickets over the past few years. Maybe this one is my ticket.”

      nm563 I also think that since 1 in 20 doesn't display the percentage many will not calculate it off the top of their head and will simply fall into this exact line of thinking stated.

    8. iakaanb 29 Jan 2025
      data does not speak for itself.

      nm563 I think this makes a really good point and somewhat ties in to creditability because even to trust data and begin to analyze it, the researcher usually is first reviewed and ensured to be a credible source which can also carry on what the reader is looking for based on who the user is and what the audience is.

    9. iakaanb 29 Jan 2025
      including McAuliffe’s own middle school students

      nm563 Mentioning again the younger generation then going on to state they were watching as the shuttle exploded and killed members of the crew may have been purposefully to make the situation seem even more detrimental and pull at the readers emotionally.

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