Understanding Data Visualization

Submitted by Nicole Murph on April 20th, 2021
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Short Description: 

Reading charts and infographics is part of everyday life, yet telling a story with data can be tricky. Luckily, data visualization is a skill that everyone can learn! Data visualization is the practice of translating information into a visual context, helping humans understand complex concepts and making it easier to identify patterns and uncover insights. In this workshop, learn the basics of designing data visualizations, selecting appropriate graph styles, and how to identify misleading data visuals.

Learning Outcomes: 

Students will understand inherent bias in data visualizations in order to be informed digital citizens.
Students will learn strategies to read and analyze data visualizations in order to meet their information needs.
Students will learn the elements of design in order to create appropriate visualizations.

Discipline: 
Individual or Group: 
Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 
Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 
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Suggested Citation: 
Murph, Nicole. "Understanding Data Visualization." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2021. https://projectcora.org/assignment/understanding-data-visualization.