Creating an Interactive Visualization of General Social Survey Data: From Start to Finished Product

• Activity Number: 353 - Visual Stories That Count!
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 5, 2020 : 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Graphics
• Author(s): Nola du Toit* and Edward Mulrow and Rene Bautista and Mu-Hsien Lee
• Companies: NORC at the University of Chicago and NORC at the University of Chicago and NORC at the University of Chicago and NORC at the University of Chicago
• Keywords: Visualization; Graphics; General Social Survey; Interactive

Abstract

“It takes a village” to create a successful interactive data visualization. We draw upon our recent experience creating an interactive graphic for the General Social Survey (GSS) to examine the different roles and perspectives that come together in making the visualization a success. For decades, the GSS has examined social change and complexity in the United States. The interactive graphic allows users to delve into the data and examine how the attitude of Americans towards government spending has changed over time. Roles involved in producing the graphic include the subject matter expert, who contributed an understanding of the research purpose, as well as the visualization expert and programmer who designed and implemented the interactive tool. In addition, the graphic designer contributed visual balance and appeal to the graphic, while the writer aided with interpretation and messaging. Finally, the statistician worked to ensure that the visualization accurately reflected the underlying data. We present the benefits and obstacles that go along with this expanded team that ultimately resulted in a comprehensive data visualization experience for users of the GSS.