| Session Title: Exploring Data Visualization for Evaluation |
| Multipaper Session 744 to be held in Santa Monica on Friday, Nov 4, 2:50 PM to 4:20 PM |
| Sponsored by the Data Visualization and Reporting TIG |
| Chair(s): |
| Amy A Germuth, EvalWorks, LLC, amygermuth@evalworks.com |
| Discussant(s): |
| Tarek Azzam, Claremont Graduate University, tarek.azzam@cgu.edu |
| Abstract: Data visualization is the process of graphically or visually representing data or concepts. Media, web design, and marketing have all created an environment where evaluation users - clients, program participants, funders - expect high-quality, memorable graphics when evaluation results are communicated. Thus, as an evaluator it is useful to have data visualization skills (e.g., an understanding of the variety of ways to visually represent data and the knowledge of visualization software) as part of one's evaluation repertoire. In this session the three presentations will provide an overview of data visualization tools, demonstrate a specific use of data visualization, and explore ways to visualize qualitative data. In addition to highlighting the value of data visualizations, these presentations will explore the potential challenges and concerns of using visualization tools in evaluation. The session will interest evaluators who want an introduction to the area as well as those who are more advanced and want inspiration. |
| What to Consider When Choosing a Data Visualization Application or Approach |
| Christopher Lysy, Westat, cplysy@gmail.com |
| Do you have an interest in data visualization but do not know where to start? Applications like Tableau, ManyEyes, Geocommons, Google Fusion Tables, Excel, Illustrator, SPSS, R, Flare, Processing, Protovis, and countless others can be used in the process of creating data visualizations. Which application, or applications, should you choose for your own work? Project needs, technical expertise, and budget requirements will all play significant roles in the decision. During this presentation I will showcase a variety of data visualization tools classified by most common user (Analyst, Designer, Programmer, and Practitioner), highlighting the benefits and shortcomings of each class. The goal is to provide you with an awareness of the vast array of tools at your disposal and give you enough information to help you start your search and make an informed decision. |
| Using Interactive Data Visualization to Increase Transparency, Engagement, and Understanding: Doing the Data Dance with Tableau |
| Susan Kistler, American Evaluation Association, susan@eval.org |
| Tableau Software creates data visualizations and promises "Data in. Brilliance out." You know what? They're pretty on target. I used to teach statistics. We'd spend hours doing what Tableau can do better in a matter of minutes. Tableau's tools have allowed AEA to share interactive real-time data visualizations with stakeholders. Our hope is to lead the way in terms of transparency, information access, and demonstration of ways to present and engage with data. During this presentation I will demonstrate the basic functions of Tableau, discuss its strengths and limitations, and show before and after examples of Tableau data visualizations. Perhaps more importantly, I'll use the demonstration of Tableau to raise larger questions such as, What are the implications for data privacy? What guidance do stakeholders need to understand a data set? And, how can using a tool that facilitates data visualization improve or hinder analyses? |
| Visualizing Qualitative Data |
| Stuart Henderson, University of California, Davis, stuart.henderson@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu |
| Much data visualization software and attention is centered on visually representing quantitative data. Less attention has been paid to how to display qualitative or textual data in a visual form. In this presentation, I will introduce current ways that qualitative data are being visualized, for example through word clouds, tree representations, and mind maps. In addition, I will discuss ideas on and possibilities for moving qualitative data visualization forward. The presentation will focus mainly on the benefits of visually representing qualitative data, but I will also consider critical questions that may arise with its use. For instance, how does an evaluator maintain the integrity, tone, depth and essence of textual data in visual representations? And how might visual representations strengthen or weaken qualitative data? |