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.

Relevant links: 
Data Visualization LibGuide
Activity #1
Activity #2
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: 
Multidisciplinary
Information Literacy concepts: 
Evaluates (ACRL 3, SCONUL 5, ANZIL 3, ANCIL 4)
Uses Information (ACRL 4, SCONUL 7, ANZIL 5, ANCIL 8&9)
Ethics (ACRL 5, SCONUL 6, ANZIL 6, ANCIL 7)
Information Creation as Process (Frame 2)
Individual or Group: 
Group
Ability Level: 
Undergraduate / Bachelors
Tags: 
data literacy
data visualization
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.): 
Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 
Collaborators: 
Shelby Hallman
Nataly Blas
Suggested Citation: 
Murph, Nicole. "Understanding Data Visualization." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2021. https://projectcora.org/assignment/understanding-data-visualization.
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