Presenting & Interpreting Data in PE (AQA GCSE Physical Education (PE))

Presenting Data

• Data presentation is essential; it allows raw data to be viewed clearly, and provides a visual representation of findings that allows for quick and easy analysis

• Data can be presented in the following formats:

  • Tables

  • Line graphs

  • Bar charts

Presenting data in a table

• Tables provide a space for recording raw data in a logical form, and can also be used to present precise, quantitative data in such a way that no detail is lost

• Important conventions when presenting data in a table include:

  • Column headings should state the type of value contained in each column, and should contain units where relevant, e.g. heart rate (beats per minute)

    • Units should not be in the main body of the table

  • The first column should contain the variable being changed, known as the independent variable

  • The second column should contain any measurements taken, known as the dependent variable

    • If repeat measurements are required then these should be included in additional columns

  • Any columns required for processing data, e.g. calculating a mean value should come after this

Data table

Tables are used to record results and present detailed quantitative data

Plotting line graphs

• Line graphs contain plotted points joined by a line

• They show a change in one variable (y axis) during the continuous progression of another (x axis)

  • The x axis often represents the continuous progression of time

• Considerations when plotting a line graph include:

  • A ruler and sharp pencil should be used

  • Both x and y axes must be labelled clearly

  • Axis labels should include any relevant units

  • Axis scales must be appropriate, i.e.

    • Not too large or too small

    • Ascending in even increments

  • Points must be plotted correctly

  • Points should be joined by a line

Line graph

Line graphs are used to show the change in one variable during the continuous progression of another, e.g. the change in resting heart rate over time

Plotting bar charts

• Bar charts present data as a series of bars; the size of each bar represents its numerical value

• Bar charts show the size (y axis) of a series of categories (x axis), e.g.

  • The number of individuals who take part in different sports

  • The number of participants scoring at each level of a fitness test

• Considerations when plotting a bar chart include:

  • A ruler and sharp pencil should be used

  • Clear axis labels, with units where relevant

  • Appropriate axis scales

  • Bar sizes plotted correctly

  • Bars should not touch each other

Bar chart

Bar charts are used to show the size of a series of data categories, e.g. preferred fitness activity in UK adults

Analysis & Evaluation of Data

• Data in the form of a table, graph or chart, can be analysed and evaluated

  • Analysis might involve:

    • Description of patterns, e.g. resting heart rate decreases as a training programme progresses

    • Identification of individual data points within a data set, e.g. 200 000 adults in the UK play football

    • Explanation of trends in data, e.g. resting heart rate decreases with training due to an increasing stroke volume

  • Evaluation might involve:

    • Considering the value of a data set in a wider context, e.g. running is a popular activity type due to its accessibility and mental health benefits