Visual Display of Quantitative Information

[Page 1794]Statistical graphics provide a way for researchers to present complex information from a data set that may not be easily conveyed by words alone. Edward Tufte, a statistician and artist, devoted his career to the field of statistical graphics. Originally trained as a political scientist at Yale University, Tufte eventually became a professor at his alma mater and taught courses on data analysis and graphics. In 1983, he published the influential book The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. This book focuses on principles to create elegant, informative graphics and also provides the reader with ample examples of both good graphics and graphical elements to avoid. Tufte’s book provides researchers with tools to display data and findings in a thoughtful and clear manner.