Okay, so I’m taking the GRE in a couple of weeks, and I’m really nervous about the data interpretation questions. I always struggle with the ones that are based on diagrams, charts, or graphs. It’s not necessarily the math itself, it’s more about understanding what they’re really asking and being able to quickly pull the right information from the visual.
For example, if I see a pie chart showing market share, I panic. I know I need to figure out percentages or ratios, but I often get lost in the details and waste time trying to calculate everything perfectly. Then, I run out of time!
So, what are some specific strategies I can use to quickly and accurately answer questions based on these types of visuals? I’m not just looking for general advice like "read the question carefully" (duh!). I mean, what are some practical, actionable steps I can take to analyze the information efficiently and avoid common pitfalls? Things like:
- What’s the best way to quickly identify the key information in a complicated graph?
- Are there any common tricks or traps the test makers use to try and confuse you?
- How can I estimate values from a graph when the exact numbers aren’t given?
- What should I do if I’m faced with multiple charts/graphs and need to compare them?
- Are there specific types of graphs (scatter plots, histograms, etc.) that I should focus on studying?
- How important is it to understand the underlying concepts behind each type of graph, or can I just focus on extracting the data?
Basically, I’m looking for a survival guide to conquer these data interpretation questions! Any tips or resources you can recommend would be greatly appreciated!
Answer
Strategies for answering questions about diagrams, charts, or graphs involve a systematic approach to extract and interpret the visual information presented. Here’s a detailed breakdown of effective strategies:
1. Initial Overview and Identification:
- Identify the type of visual: Determine whether it’s a bar chart, line graph, pie chart, scatter plot, table, flow chart, organizational chart, diagram, map, or another visual representation. Each type communicates information differently.
- Read the Title and Subtitle: The title is crucial. It provides the overall subject or purpose of the visual. The subtitle (if present) gives more specific context or focus.
- Examine the Axes/Labels/Key:
- Axes (Graphs): Carefully analyze the labels of the x-axis and y-axis on graphs. What variables are being measured? What are the units of measurement (e.g., years, dollars, percentages)?
- Labels (Charts & Diagrams): Pay attention to labels within the chart or diagram. These identify the different categories, components, or steps being represented.
- Key/Legend: Identify the key or legend to understand the different colors, patterns, or symbols used. The key is essential for interpreting the data accurately.
- Note the Source (If Provided): Knowing the source can give you information about the reliability and potential biases of the data. Consider whether the source is reputable and whether its purpose might influence the presentation of the data.
- Look for the Overall Trend/Pattern: Before diving into specifics, try to get a general sense of the overall pattern. Is there an upward trend, downward trend, fluctuations, correlations, or stable conditions? This will help you anticipate the types of questions that might be asked.
2. Detailed Data Extraction:
- Focus on Specific Data Points: When the question refers to a specific point, value, or category, locate it precisely on the visual. Use a ruler or your finger to ensure accuracy, especially when reading values from a graph.
- Compare and Contrast: Many questions require you to compare different data points or categories. Note the differences in magnitude, percentages, or other relevant metrics.
- Calculate Values (If Necessary): Be prepared to do simple calculations, such as finding the difference between two values, calculating a percentage change, or determining an average.
- Pay Attention to Units: Be mindful of the units of measurement when interpreting the data and answering the question. Make sure your answer reflects the correct units.
- Consider Scales: Be aware of the scale used on the axes. A compressed or expanded scale can distort the perception of changes or differences in the data. Logarithmic scales are also used to show very large or small differences in data and can be easily misinterpreted if not properly understood.
3. Interpretation and Inference:
- Identify Relationships: Look for relationships between variables. Are they positively correlated (as one increases, the other increases)? Negatively correlated (as one increases, the other decreases)? Is there no clear correlation?
- Look for Outliers: Outliers are data points that are significantly different from the other data points. Identify and consider the potential reasons for these outliers.
- Identify Cause and Effect (with caution): Diagrams may illustrate cause-and-effect relationships. Charts and graphs might suggest a correlation, but correlation does not always equal causation. Be careful about assuming a direct causal link without additional information.
- Consider Implications: What are the implications of the data presented? What conclusions can you draw based on the information? Be careful not to extrapolate too far beyond the data.
- Make Inferences: Use the data to make logical inferences or predictions. For example, if a graph shows a steady increase in sales over the past few years, you might infer that sales are likely to continue to increase in the near future (assuming no major changes in the market).
4. Addressing the Question:
- Understand the Question: Read the question carefully to ensure you understand exactly what is being asked. Identify key words in the question that direct you to the relevant data.
- Eliminate Incorrect Answers: If you are answering multiple-choice questions, use the process of elimination to narrow down the options. Look for answers that are factually incorrect based on the data, or that misinterpret the data.
- Support Your Answer: Your answer should be directly supported by the data presented in the visual. Avoid making assumptions or drawing conclusions that are not explicitly supported by the information.
- Be Precise: Use precise language when answering the question. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements.
- Check Your Answer: Before submitting your answer, double-check that it is consistent with the data and that it answers the question completely.
5. Specific Visual Types Considerations:
- Bar Charts: Focus on comparing the heights or lengths of the bars. Consider the scale and units of measurement.
- Line Graphs: Analyze the trends and patterns of the lines. Look for slopes, peaks, valleys, and inflection points.
- Pie Charts: Understand the proportions represented by each slice. Focus on the relative sizes of the slices.
- Scatter Plots: Look for correlations between the two variables. Identify clusters of points and outliers.
- Tables: Carefully read the row and column headings. Focus on extracting specific values from the table.
- Flow Charts: Follow the arrows and understand the sequence of steps.
- Diagrams: Understand the components and their relationships.
- Maps: Identify locations, distances, and geographic features.
By following these strategies, you can effectively extract information from diagrams, charts, and graphs and answer questions accurately and confidently.
