Pulse

Time / rate /
beats
min
min-1
-5

65

-4

69

-3

75

-2

65

-1

70

71

10 minute run
0

156

110

85

50

65

90

66

56

81

71

10

62

11

80

12

79

13

68

14

70

15

67

16

70

17

66

18

72

19

71

20

69

THE IMPORTANCE OF GRAPHS

The table opposite shows a typical response of pulse rate, measured at oneminute intervals, before and after a period of exercise. Notice the table
contains pure dimensionless numbers (e.g. 4 and not 4 min). The column
headings contain the relevant information including the units.
Just by looking at the table you can see the pulse has increased after the
10-minute run and then returns to normal after about 10 minutes, as you
might expect. Plotting a curve of these data, however, reveals an
interesting phenomenon. The return to normal is not a smooth one. The
pulse rate passes below its resting value several times. This overshoot is
normal and it illustrates that the heartbeat is under negative feedback
control.

The curve gives the experimenter a global impression of the spread

and the trends in these data, at a glance.

Any points, which stand out as unusual are easily seen on the graph
because their distance from the other points is much greater than the other
data points.

A graph makes it easy to make estimates between measured points.

All this interpretation of data could have been determined from the list of
readings in the table but it is a lot easier to see what is going on when the
results are displayed in the form of a graph.
Pulse Rate of a male 16 year old before and after a 10 minute run.

RULES FOR DRAWING GRAPHS

(1) Determine the dependant and independent variables
In an experiment the experimenter will determine a set of conditions. It may be a range of
temperatures or pH values, or, more commonly, the experimenter may choose to observe the
1

experiment proceeding at set intervals of time (seconds, days or even years). These are the
independent variable and always go on the horizontal axis (xaxis or abscissa). The effect of the
experimenter varying the independent variable is measured as the dependant variables (the part of
the experiment under observation) this is always plotted on the vertical axis (yaxis or ordinate).
Thus in an experiment to determine the effect of temperature upon the activity of a particular
enzyme the axis should be set up as shown below.

Like this

Not like this

(2) Note the units of measurement for each of the variables

In the example above the temperature is likely to be in degrees Celsius (C) but some chemistry and
physics texts will use degrees Absolute or Kelvin (K). [Non metric units such as Fahrenheit (F) should be
avoided in science.] It is important to indicate to your audience what you are actually measuring your
variables in. From the above example again, enzyme activity is usually measured in the amount of product
produced per unit time. For example: g product/min or g product min -1. The units of measurement are
presented behind the label of the axis after an oblique line not in brackets. e.g. Temperature / C
(3) The proportions of the axes
The area enclosed by the axes should be roughly square and not disproportionately exaggerated.

(4) Analyzing your data

Look at your data carefully and determine the highest and lowest values for each of the two variables.
Values should increase as they progress away from the origin. At best this should be 0. This, however, may
not be necessary especially if it wastes space and you want to maintain a roughly square graph. Start from a
convenient but carefully chosen origin.

(5) Mark the quantities on both axes and number them at regular intervals

There is a temptation to space the numbers irregularly because your data, especially the dependant variable
data, is often irregularly spaced. The labels on the axes should be regularly spaced so that the axis functions
as a scale bar for intermediate values.
(6) Plotting and drawing the graph. Smooth curves, straight lines or trend lines?
You may join the points with a smooth curve passing through the points if they fall in a clear sequence and
you think that the fluctuations in the curve are significant features of the data. However, because of errors
and variations, a trend line (or curve) drawn between the points is usually best. If you cannot predict what
data you would get between the different data points then they should be joined by straight lines. DO NOT
extend the line beyond the first and last data points given.

(7) Label the axes clearly with the variables and units.
The Effect of Nitrates on Algal Growth

(8) Giving the graph a title

The graph must have a title, which should contain a brief description of what is being investigated. Other
information, which may go in the title, if available, includes: the date, place and name of experimenter or
collector of the data. If there is more than one graph a reference number or letter is required. For example:
"Fig 2 A graph showing the change in testis weight throughout the year in the brown rat (Rattus
rattus)" IS BETTER THAN... " A graph of testis weight against time" which is insufficient. Underline or
use bold type for your title, it makes it stand out and is easier to find on the page.
(9) Plotting more than one graph on a set of axes.
Sometimes two or three sets of data (though rarely more) are plotted within the same set of axes. You must
distinguish between them by using different symbols (X, O , , etc) or lines (., ________,
-----------, etc). Avoid using color for materials, which are going to be printed.
The percentage change in length of apple and Notice the key by the side of the graph, which explains
potato strips soaked in sucrose solutions
the symbols or lines.
Do not write on the graph itself though labels and
arrows may be useful.
You may wish to plot data from two different dependant
variables together on one graph but the values may be
so different you have to use two different scales. One
axis can be placed on each side of the graph as shown
below.

Variations in the levels of progesterone and oestradiol during the menstrual cycle of a woman

However, the situation gets too confusing if more variables are treated in this way on one graph.