How Do We Represent Our Findings in Oceanography?

Why am I seeing graphs?

Are you starting to think ... wait... I signed up for Oceanography because I like dolphins.

Well, here is a dolphin swimming with a graph just for you. Yay! We will get to marine life, but we must also remember that oceanography is a SCIENCE. In science, we collect data and analyze it.

In the last lesson, we learned about the four parts of oceanography and the scientific method.

In this lesson, we will continue from the experimental design process to how we collect and present our findings from experimentation.

Data Collection

There are two types of data that we can collect in any experiment.

Qualitative
Quantitative

We can collect qualitative data based on looks or observations. No numbers are associated with this data collection; however, it can still be necessary. The other type of data is quantitative data. This data type is numerical and typically associated with some unit.

Oceanography data can be collected in various ways. Like traditional science courses, labs can be conducted at a lab station or with hands-on experimentation. However, oceanography data collection can also primarily rely on models.

Scientific experimentation models are different from those made in class to demonstrate the parts of a cell, for example. Scientific experimentation models are used with a series of calculations and data input to predict changes to a larger system based on a changed variable in the model. This is how scientists can determine the temperature before humans existed based on ice cores or predict the sea level in tens to hundreds of years based on current temperature increases.

While you will not be asked to create any of these in-depth models for this course, the next assignment will introduce you to the idea of models and how these models can be used in conjunction with data collected in the real world.

After collecting data, it is essential to know how to display the results of the data collected.

Data Presentation in Charts and Graphs

First, watch this video. Do you think data has the power to be manipulated to support your findings?

After watching this video, it should be obvious that data can be manipulated to show specific findings. When presenting data in charts or graphs, it is vital to collect all data and use appropriate axes. Let’s walk through how to ensure the data speaks for itself.

When creating a line or bar graph, it is essential to maximize the space used. And if you have to learn the steps to creating a graph, a boy band from the 1990s will at least make it entertaining.

Please use the tips below as reminders, and if necessary, watch the video provided for step-by-step directions on creating a graph.

Step 1: Choose the Right Graph Type

Decide whether a bar or line graph is more appropriate for your data.

Use a bar graph to display categorical data or to compare values across different categories.
Use a line graph to show trends and changes in data over time or across a continuous scale.

Step 2: Set Up Your Graph

Label the x-axis and y-axis. Include units of measurement if applicable.
Determine the range and scale of your axes. This involves selecting appropriate intervals and values for your data.

Step 3: Plot the data

Use a key or legend if more than one set of data is presented
If applicable, draw a line of best fit
Make sure the data is easy to read
Add a descriptive title to the graph or chart

We've gained insights into the two core types of data collection: qualitative and quantitative. As we continue, we'll explore how to effectively present the results of our data using charts and graphs. Whether we're conducting experiments in a traditional lab setting or harnessing the power of models, these tools will be invaluable in our quest to understand and explain complex oceanographic phenomena. By choosing the right graph type, labeling axes, defining scale and range, employing legends for multiple datasets, incorporating lines of best fit, ensuring data clarity, and adding descriptive titles, we're gearing up to communicate our findings accurately and compellingly in the exciting world of oceanography and scientific exploration.

What's The point_science (1)

There are two types of data collection, qualitative and quantitative, and after collecting data, it is important to know how to present the results using appropriate charts or graphs.

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