Sketching a visualization

How do you begin to ask a research question of your own? One way to start is by sketching a visualization that you might like to make.

Take a pen and paper and draw a possible visualization.

• What variable would you put on the x-axis?
• What variable on the y-axis?
• Are any other variables denoted by other elements, such as color?

As you plan your graph, consider that the elements of the graph often have a temporal order. It is common that the x-axis and colors (if relevant) exist before the variable depicted on the y-axis is realized.

You may also consider what kind of visualization will be most compelling: bar graph, line graph, scatterplot, histogram, etc.

Pretend that you already have results and draw the whole graph. How would you label the axes?

Using actual variables

At some point, look through IPUMS to find data that contains the variables that would enable you to make your visualization. This may require modifying your plan in an iterative process.

Exchange graphs

Through an online submission, we will exchange visualization sketches and provide feedback.

• What is especially clear in this graph?
• Are there parts that are confusing?
• What might make the graph more compelling?