Communicating quantitative information: tables vs graphs

Klein, Torsten L. (2014): Communicating quantitative information: tables vs graphs.

Abstract

In applied statistics and computational econometrics a key task for researchers is to bring the sizable but unstructured body of numeric evidence, for example from Monte Carlo simulation, in a form ready for introducing to scientific dialog. At their disposal they find established means of arrangement: narrative text, tables, graphs. Employing classical principles of communication to evaluate their suitability graphical devices seem optimal. They absorb large quantities of data, and organize content into a productive tool. Graphs confirm the advantage when put to work in a standard simulation exercise. However, theory and application contrast with the norm observed in peer-reviewed journals – by a wide margin and with considerable persistency researchers prefer tables.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: econometric and statistical methods, Monte Carlo, bivariate probit model, exogeneity testing, modes of communication, data visualization, economics of science
• Subjects: A - General Economics and Teaching > A1 - General Economics > A14 - Sociology of Economics; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C1 - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General > C10 - General; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C1 - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General > C15 - Statistical Simulation Methods: General; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C35 - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models ; Discrete Regressors ; Proportions; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C5 - Econometric Modeling > C52 - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection; Y - Miscellaneous Categories > Y1 - Data: Tables and Charts > Y10 - Data: Tables and Charts

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