337 – SPEED: Methodological Developments in Social Statistics, Part 1
Presenting Uncertainty in Graphical Format
Nola du Toit
NORC at the University of Chicago
Edward Mulrow
NORC at the University of Chicago
Presenting uncertainty in a chart or graph can be very challenging. A cursory scan on graphics in journals and reports indicates a wide variety of attempts to graphically present uncertainty, usually in the form of adding error bars or confidence intervals to point estimates. Using examples from our own past research on household structure among low-income families, we explore different graphical forms that may aid viewers in illustrating uncertainty. We also discuss common issues in creating and interpreting graphics that incorporate confidence intervals, margins of error, and hypothesis testing, and offer suggestions for best practices.