Tag Archives: step 7

STEP SEVEN: GRAPHS & TABLES

Assignments, ,

GRAPHS & TABLES (DUE DATE 11/17)

Once the data are imported into Google Sheets, you will need to analyze them. The training on how to use Google Sheets will be provided during class in a computer lab. Subsequent training will be offered by appointment. 

You will begin to analyze a particular aspect of the data that has been collected. To analyze our data, we will start by summarizing our data using descriptive statistics. You will then explore the relationships between the two variables that interest you (from your research question and hypothesis). This will be represented in tables that include raw and percentage data. Together we will learn to create tables and charts in Google Sheets that can help us display the data related to our research questions of interest. Each student will then compile these tables and charts into an OpenLab post. 

For example, you will show a Line Graph of a chosen crime ( homicide, for example) in your neighborhood, and rates for this crime at the state, and the national level for the past 10 years. You will also calculate percentage change for your picked crime comparing such percentage change in your neighborhood.

Here is how to create a line graph in Google Sheets:

Make a time series graph in google sheets

Here is how to calculate percentage change in Google Sheets: Percentage, Percent Change, Percent Increase, Percent of Total Formulas – Google Sheets Tutorial

Here is how to calculate rate per 100,000 for a chosen crime: Crime Rate = Total Crime / Population *100,000 [use population from Step 6]

Your analysis post will include: 

  • reflections on your tables (How does your pivot/bivariate table help you to both answer your research question and present your research findings?)
  • reflections on your line graph (How does the graph help you to answer and present your research question and findings?); 
  • Reflection on crime trends in your chosen crime at the local, state and national levels. 
  • Reflection how the chosen crime (homicide, for example) increased or decreased as a percentage of all violent/property crimes.
  • Was your hypothesis supported? Why do you think it was/wasn’t so?

Example of Line Graph of Homicide As Related to All Violent Crime (using Newark NJ Summary Crime Data from FBI) (the chart is linked to data in Google Sheets)

Examples of Line Charts (Crime Data from FBI) (the chart is linked to data in Google Sheets). 

Example of a Line Chart Comparing State and National Homicide Rates (the chart is linked to data in Google Sheets). 

Share your analysis in the OpenLab and write a short post reflecting on the bullet points above. Offer feedback to at least two of your classmates’ reflections.