ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance of regularly and accurately plotting data on a line graph. It examines the basic components and types of graphs and tables used to visually organize data collected in student researchers' research. Graphic representation of data provides student researchers with an efficient, compact, and detailed summary of participant performance. It communicates to reader’s sequence of experimental conditions and phases; time spent in each condition; independent and dependent variables; experimental design; and relations between variables. Visual clutter was reduced and easy comparisons can be made across relevant variables. Graphic displays and tables serve two basic purposes. First, they assist in organizing data during the data-collection process, which facilitates formative evaluation. Second, they provide a detailed numerical summary and description of behavior, which allows readers to analyze the relation between independent and dependent variables. Independent analysis of relations between variables is one of many strengths characteristic of applied behavior analysis and single subject research methodology.
