Principles of Analytic Graphics

• Principle 1: Show comparisons

  • Evidence for a hypothesis is always relative to another competing hypothesis.
  • Always ask "Compared to What?"

Reference: Butz AM, et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 2011.

Reference: Butz AM, et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 2011.

• Principle 1: Show comparisons

  • Evidence for a hypothesis is always relative to another competing hypothesis.
  • Always ask "Compared to What?"

• Principle 2: Show causality, mechanism, explanation, systematic structure

  • What is your causal framework for thinking about a question?

Reference: Butz AM, et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 2011.

Reference: Butz AM, et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 2011.

• Principle 1: Show comparisons

  • Evidence for a hypothesis is always relative to another competing hypothesis.
  • Always ask "Compared to What?"

• Principle 2: Show causality, mechanism, explanation, systematic structure

  • What is your causal framework for thinking about a question?

• Principle 3: Show multivariate data

  • Multivariate = more than 2 variables
  • The real world is multivariate
  • Need to "escape flatland"

• Principle 4: Integration of evidence

  • Completely integrate words, numbers, images, diagrams
  • Data graphics should make use of many modes of data presentation
  • Don't let the tool drive the analysis

• Principle 4: Integration of evidence

  • Completely integrate words, numbers, images, diagrams
  • Data graphics should make use of many modes of data presentation
  • Don't let the tool drive the analysis

• Principle 5: Describe and document the evidence with appropriate labels, scales, sources, etc.

  • A data graphic should tell a complete story that is credible

• Principle 4: Integration of evidence

  • Completely integrate words, numbers, images, diagrams
  • Data graphics should make use of many modes of data presentation
  • Don't let the tool drive the analysis

• Principle 5: Describe and document the evidence with appropriate labels, scales, sources, etc.

  • A data graphic should tell a complete story that is credible

• Principle 6: Content is king

  • Analytical presentations ultimately stand or fall depending on the quality, relevance, and integrity of their content

• Principle 1: Show comparisons
• Principle 2: Show causality, mechanism, explanation
• Principle 3: Show multivariate data
• Principle 4: Integrate multiple modes of evidence
• Principle 5: Describe and document the evidence
• Principle 6: Content is king

Edward Tufte (2006). Beautiful Evidence, Graphics Press LLC. www.edwardtufte.com