Applied Statistics
formerly named: Methodology and Statistics
International Conference, 19 - 22 September 2004
Ljubljana, Slovenia
http://www.uni-lj.si/~ibuas/index.html
http://vlado.fmf.uni-lj.si/trubar/preddvor/2004/
Link to past Methodology and Statistics Conferences
Statistical Graphics for Exploring Data, Presenting Information, and
Understanding Statistical Models
by Frank Harrell, Vanderbilt University
Graphical methods are being increasingly used for exploratory data
analysis. Some of the many graphical tools that are useful in this
setting are scatterplot matrices, nonparametric smoothers, and tree
diagrams. Statistical graphics for presenting information have been used
much longer, but most of the commonly used graphics used in papers,
presentations, and the popular media, such as bar charts and pie charts,
are either poor or misleading in communicating information to the
reader. This short course begins with a series of graphical horror
stories from the scientific and lay press. Then elements of graphical
perception and good graph construction, many from the writings of Bill
Cleveland, are covered. Practical suggestions for choosing the best
chart or graph type, making good and clear graphics, and formatting are
covered. Techniques for simultaneous presentation of multiple variables
are described.
Complex outcome or risk adjustment models are not easily grasped by
non-statisticians. Special graphics such as effect charts and nomograms
can assist physicians and other consumers of statistical analysis in
understanding statistical models and in using them for obtaining
predictions for individual subjects. Examples of model presentation
graphics will be given.
At the close of the short course some graphical marvels from the
literature (especially from Edward Tufte and Howard Wainer) are presented.
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