The 3rd chapter of the “Statistics for Criminology and Criminal Justice” text by Jacinta M. Gau talks about univariate and bivariate elements as well as their uses in criminal statistics and programs like the SPSS. The first part of the chapter introduces the three univariate data distribution displays that are frequently used in statistics, such as frequencies, proportions, and percentages (Gau, 2018). Frequency is defined as a simple raw count, whereas proportions show how many times a particular variable appears in a sample in relation to its total size (Gau, 2018). Finally, percentages are used as a standardized form of frequency, ranging from 0 to 100%.
After discussing proportion and percentages, the parameter of rates is introduced, which is often used to show the incidence of a particular factor in 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000 cases. The text makes a point that looking at numbers alone makes a poor presentation, so pictures are used to make the data more recognizable and engaging for the audience (Gau, 2018). Graphs and charts aid with enabling others to encompass the message. Pie charts are utilized when there are five or fewer variables to illustrate what part of 100% (or whole pie) belongs to which. Bars are used for categoric variables and proportions. Line graphs are useful for longitudinal data, and histograms can be used for grouped data that does not fit into any of the previous models (Gau, 2018). The author makes a case that to keep a presentation engaging and clear, different kinds of visualizations should be used.
The point the chapter makes is sound, as visualization based on numbers alone is next to impossible and is confusing for the unprepared audience. However, some charts can be equally confusing, especially if they feature terms and variables that are not familiar to the audience. Simplification can achieve understanding but at the risk of simplifying matters that are naturally complicated, resulting in a skewered impression.
Reference
Gau, J. M. (2018). Statistics for criminology and criminal justice (3rd ed.). Sage.