From 3a363150dc2400eb6c13fa4f513e1ea9c54fd219 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Christian Kolset Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:19:37 -0600 Subject: Finished section with figures and diagram --- tutorials/module_4/4.2 Interpreting Data.md | 60 ++++++++++++++++++++-------- tutorials/module_4/image_1760986545639.png | Bin 0 -> 345475 bytes tutorials/module_4/image_1760986811788.png | Bin 0 -> 1262424 bytes 3 files changed, 43 insertions(+), 17 deletions(-) create mode 100644 tutorials/module_4/image_1760986545639.png create mode 100644 tutorials/module_4/image_1760986811788.png diff --git a/tutorials/module_4/4.2 Interpreting Data.md b/tutorials/module_4/4.2 Interpreting Data.md index d199ee7..0efb595 100644 --- a/tutorials/module_4/4.2 Interpreting Data.md +++ b/tutorials/module_4/4.2 Interpreting Data.md @@ -1,48 +1,74 @@ # Interpreting Data for Plotting Philosophy of visualizing data -When engineers work with data we have to consider the following: +A useful tool is using the acronym **PCC** to enforce legibility of your data. + +```mermaid +flowchart LR + A[Purpose] --> B[Composition] + B --> C[Color] + C --> |Clarify| A +``` + +Whether we are preparing figures for a lab report or a research paper, these three elements should always be applied when presenting data. They ensure that our figures are clear, effective, and convey the intended message to our audience. - Purpose -> explain a process, compare of contrast, show a change or establish a relationship - - Plot Composition -> How do you arrange to components of the plot to clearly show the purpose - - Clarity + - Composition -> How do you arrange to components of the plot to clearly show the purpose + - Color -> Using contrasts and colors to highlight important elements in a figure. +We may re-iterate a figure 2 or 3 times until the figure shows the data we want to present is clear. + +*Remember:* Data don't lie and neither should your figures, even unintentionally. ## Syntax and semantics in Mathematics - The meaning of our data In the English language, grammar defines the syntax—the structural rules that determine how words are arranged in a sentence. However, meaning arises only through semantics, which tells us what the sentence actually conveys. Similarly, in the language of mathematics, syntax consists of the formal rules that govern how we combine symbols, perform operations, and manipulate equations. Yet it is semantics—the interpretation of those symbols and relationships—that gives mathematics its meaning and connection to the real world. -As engineers and scientists, we must grasp the semantics of our work—not merely the procedures—it is our responsibility to understand the meaning behind it. YouTube creator and rocket engineer Destin Sandlin or better known as SmarterEveryDay illustrates this concept in his video on the “backwards bicycle,” which demonstrates how syntax and semantics parallel the difference between knowledge and true understanding. - -> I had the knowledge of operating the bike, but I did not have the understanding. Therefore knowledge does not equal understanding -> - Destin Sandlin +As engineers and scientists, we must grasp the semantics of our work—not merely the procedures—it is our responsibility to understand the meaning behind it. YouTube creator and rocket engineer Destin Sandlin, better known as SmarterEveryDay, illustrates this concept in his video on the “backwards bicycle,” which demonstrates how syntax and semantics parallel the difference between knowledge and understanding. ![Backwards Brain Bike](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFzDaBzBlL0) -## Audience -When Interpreting the + +## Purpose - Why? +Does the figure show the overall story or main point when you hide the text? + +Starting with the most important aspect of a figure is the purpose. What do you want to show? Why are why showing this? What is so important? These questions will help us decide on what time of plot we need. There are many types of plots and some are better for different purposes. + +Often in engineering you find yourself **comparing** or **contrasting** or **show a change** between sets of data. For these cases you should use either a *line chart* or a *scatter plot*. This is often used when plotting mathematical function. + +In a lab report you may find yourself **explaining a process**. For this you may want to use a: *flowchart*, *diagram*, info graphic, illustration, *Gantt chart*, timeline, .etc. + +There are many other types of plots that you can choose from so it can be useful to think about who you're sharing your data with. This may be - Colleague/Supervisor .etc - Research conference -- Clients +- Clients (may not always be technical professionals). -## Making good plots +## Composition - Making good plots +Can you remove or adjust unnecessary elements that attract your attention? -- Labeling -- Grid -- Axis scaling -- +Composition refers to how you choose to format your plot — including labeling, gridlines, and axis scaling. +Often, the main message of a figure can be obscured by too much information. To improve clarity, consider removing or simplifying unnecessary elements such as repetitive labels, bounding boxes, background colors, extra lines or colors, redundant text, and shadows or shading. You can also reduce clutter by adjusting or removing excess data and moving supporting information to supplementary figures. -## Problem 1: +If applicable, be sure to follow any additional formatting or figure guidelines required by your target journal. + +## Color - Highlight +Does the color palette enhance or distract from the story? +Similarly to composition using color or the absence thereof (gray scale) can help you draw the attention of the read to a specific element of the plot. +Here is an example of how color can be used to enhance the difference between the private-for-profit. -## Problem 2: + +## Problem 1: +## Problem 2: + + diff --git a/tutorials/module_4/image_1760986545639.png b/tutorials/module_4/image_1760986545639.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0b6cad5 Binary files /dev/null and b/tutorials/module_4/image_1760986545639.png differ diff --git a/tutorials/module_4/image_1760986811788.png b/tutorials/module_4/image_1760986811788.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c2844b1 Binary files /dev/null and b/tutorials/module_4/image_1760986811788.png differ -- cgit v1.2.3