Re: N on graphs

Posted by Margaret MacDougall on Jun 16, 2011; 9:22am
URL: http://spssx-discussion.165.s1.nabble.com/N-on-graphs-tp4476235p4494259.html

Dear Jason

 

This is a welcome query. The construction of boxplots is a case in point. One should not assume that PASW (or SPSS) users have the necessary background to appreciate the importance of sample size in explaining differences in variation across categories. I certainly find this with medical students. Leaving out group sizes can lead to misleading responses (for example in the interpretation of why pain scores vary more in one category of patients than another). While, if one takes the 'interactive' route within the menu for constructing boxplots in PASW, it is possible to find a relevant option 'Display count labels', the outcome is far from satisfactory. The counts land immediately beside the median line, which provides the basis for confusion, particularly if the chart appears in a report without explanation of what the numbers stand for. It would be great if these issues could be addressed in future versions of PASW. To complement this, it would be better still if users could hover over options and read brief descriptors of their importance and relevance.

 

Every best wish

 

Margaret 

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From: Jason <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Friday, 10 June, 2011 14:54:43
Subject: N on graphs

Been discussing the importance, or lack thereof, of "N" over the past year.
I haven't found SPSS to automatically produce "N" for a graph, and am
thinking that is because its relevance on the display isn't as important as
it might have been in the past.  I'm mostly referring to descriptive graphs.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?  Where does "N" fit into your graphs
when using the software, if at all.  What reasoning or arguments are there
for or against?

Any help would be great!

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