Term | Definition |
bar graph | picture of the data that has been collected represented by bars; good for making comparisons |
data | information that you collect using instruments (ruler, cylinder, etc.) |
data table | an organized box where you record the data you collected during an investigation |
dependent variable | this is what you are measuring or investigating; it changes and may not have even intervals; it is not predictable; listed on the y axis of graphs & listed after the independent variable on data tables |
headings | a word or words that describes the data in a column or row of a data table or the x or y axis of a graph |
horizontal axis (x) | The line on the bottom of a graph; this is where the independent variable is placed |
independent variable | this is how you will measure your investigation; you know this before you begin; this is measured with regularity; measured at even intervals; listed on x axis on graphs & listed first on data tables |
line graph | picture of the data that has been collected represented by a series of dots, plotted from ordered pairs |
multiple line graph | a line graph that has more than one line plotted on it |
numerical increments | The numbers plotted on the x and y axis that show your data; the numbers are plotted in even increments on both the x and y axis; for instance counting by twos or fives |
ordered pairs | every set of numbers in a data table or graph is an ordered pair; the x or independent variable is always written first in an ordered pair |
pie graph | picture of the data that has been collected, represented by a circle, or pie, cut into portions. Each portion, or sector, represents a group of the data collected. Used to show a percent of the whole; good for comparing parts to the whole |
qualitative data | data that is represented using your senses; tells the quality of something such as color, smell, taste, etc. Is not a number. |
quantitative data | data this is represented using numbers; collected using instruments; tells a quantity |
title | a word or words that describes the data you collected in your data table or in your graph; generally represents both the x and y axis data |
units | how you measure the variables; without units the data is meaningless |
vertical axis (y) | the line on the side of a graph; this is where the dependent variable is placed |