Diagrams and charts are important because they present information visually. The adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” applies when it comes diagrams and charts. 

When you read an article,

• Don’t skip over diagrams and graphs when reading!
• These visual aids provide summaries or can illustrate a complex process; understanding how to read them is a very efficient way to learn material.
• When tackling diagrams or graphs, pay attention to:
  • Captions: What clues about the illustration can you gain from the general description?
  • Labels: Can you define or describe the items labeled? If not, reread the text.
  • Directionality: Are there arrows, numbers or letters that orient the illustration?
• The Big Picture: Do you notice any trends in data? Can you draw conclusions about relationships among items on a diagram?

Take the following lessons on:

• Basic graphs to introduce you to the basics of making graphs in a spreadsheet.
• From Data to Diagrams: An introduction to plots and charts
• Making sense of data visualization
• Data visualization: Showcasing your data with charts and graphs

Or watch this video to understand statistical graphs and when to use them.