Simple Tables to Graphs

I began this assignment by roaming the RWU website for statistical data. I found the different costs of all the residence halls and decided that the information would translate nicely to chart and graph representations. The residence halls are polarized around suite style living arrangements and apartment style living arrangements. These arrangements are then subdivided into denominations of how many people live with you.

I began by jotting down my independent and dependent variables (residence hall and prices respectively). I then attempted to make a table on excel. Given my computer illiteracy and impatience I gave that up shortly to make it on powerpoint. Creating this simple table on powerpoint was actually very easy and smooth. The table I feel is simple, accurate, and efficient.

I then used this data on the table to make my bar graph. Using varying colors to represent the different types of living arrangements, one can easily compare prices. Again I used powerpoint to create this bar graph and when doing so it automatically opened up excel and through trial and error I was able to figure out how to configure it.

In conclusion, I realized that using a table to represent data made it easier to identify variables and thus reduces the cognitive load. Creating a visual representation makes it even easier since disparities become apparent and thus reduces further the cognitive load. The information on the RWU website is difficult to compare and thus I would recommend a set up such as the ones above to make it easier to comprehend.