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Unit 4: Presentation of Data

4.1.1 Advantages Notes

Data presented in the form of diagrams are useful as well as advantageous in many ways, as is
obvious from the following:
1. Diagrams are attractive and impressive: Data presented in the form of diagrams are able
to attract the attention of even a common man. It may be difficult for a common man to
understand and remember the data presented in the form of figures but diagrams create a
lasting impression upon his mind. Due to their attractive and impressive character, the
diagrams are very frequently used by various newspapers and magazines for the
explanation of certain phenomena. Diagrams are also useful in modern advertising
campaign.
2. Diagrams simplify data: Diagrams are used to represent a huge mass of complex data in
simplified and intelligible form which is easy to understand.

3. Diagrams give more information: In addition to the depiction of the characteristics of data,
the diagrams may bring out other hidden facts and relations which are not possible to
know from the classified and tabulated data.

4. Diagrams save time and labour: A lot of time is required to study the trend and significance
of voluminous data. The same data, when presented in the form of diagrams, can be
understood in practically no time.
5. Diagrams are useful in making comparisons: Many a times the objective of the investigation
is to compare two or more situations either with respect to time or places. The task of
comparison can be very conventionally done by the use of diagrams.
6. Diagrams have universal applicability: Diagrams are used in almost in every field of
study like economics, business, administration, social institutions and other fields.

4.1.2 Limitations

Inspite of the above advantages of diagrams, their usefulness is somewhat limited. One has to be
very careful while drawing conclusions from diagrams. Their main limitations are:

1. Diagrams give only a vague idea of the problem which may be useful for a common man
but not for an expert who wishes to have an exact idea of the problem.
2. Diagrams can at best be a supplement to the tabular presentation but not an alternative
to it.
3. The information given by the diagrams vis-a-vis classification and tabulation is limited.
4. The level of precision of values indicated by diagrams is very low.

5. Diagrams are helpful only when comparisons are desired. They don’t lead to any further
analysis of data.
6. Diagrams can portray only limited number of characteristics. Larger the number of
characteristics the more difficult it is to understand them using diagrams..
7. Diagrams are liable to be misused for presenting an illusory picture of the problem.
8. Diagrams don’t give a meaningful look when different measurements have wide variations.

9. Diagrams drawn on a false base lines should be analysed very carefully.

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