In this assignment, you will use data related to a topic of your choice to create different data visualizations. After understanding the trends and patterns in your data visualizations and studying your chosen subject, you will ask a research question that arises while observing the data. You will then formulate a hypothesis to aim to answer the research question.
Learning Outcomes
● #Visualizations: Interpret, analyze, and create data visualizations.
● #HypothesisDevelopment: Evaluate the link between hypothesis-driven research and the theories or observations that motivate it.
● #EvidenceBased: Identify and appropriately structure the information needed to support an argument effectively.
● #Professionalworkproduct
Assignment Structure:
The written report (1000 words +/- 10%) should include the following elements.
(See the ‘Guidelines’ section for more detailed information)
Introduction – Provide an introduction of your chosen topic, identify key terms and discuss why it is important
Labeled visualizations (2 self-created+ 1 readymade)
Hypothesis – with discussion of plausibility, testability, relevance, target population
Explanation of how the data visualizations are related and how they contribute to the development of your hypothesis
Discussion of preliminary research that relates to your hypothesis (2-3 articles)
Appendix- Screenshots of the raw data used for each of your visualizations
Guidelines
Creating Visualizations for the Assignment
You need to provide a minimum of 2 self-created visualizations AND 1 ready-made visualization.
There should be variety in the type of visualizations you create.
All data visualizations MUST support (lead to) your hypothesis.
Your visualizations should complement each other and help you develop your hypothesis.
Ensure that your visualizations have a descriiptive title and are well-labeled, appropriately scaled, and visually appealing.
Include figure captions for each visualization. These captions should feature essential elements within the figure and summarize the primary patterns or insights revealed by the visualization.
**Packages to create visualizations – **You may use the software package of your choice. Links for some options are provided:
● CODAP, website link
● Python, [matplotlib] https://onecompiler.com/python/3vq38pmgw
● Excel: Microsoft Office Tutorials. (2015). Create a chart from start to finish.
● Google sheets
Appendix- Screenshots of the raw data used for each of your visualizations are to be included in the Appendix. Please submit clear screenshots representing your data to ensure you maintain a good grade.
No raw data screenshot is requested for your “ready-made” visualization, but you must acknowledge the source.
Datasets that may be used for the assignment:
You may use data from one or several of the provided dataset websites: Our World in Data: https://ourworldindata.org/, Gapminder (https://www.gapminder.org/): World Bank (https://data.worldbank.org/)
(Note: you will need to get the approval of your instructor before using any dataset not provided in the guidelines)
Datasets can be for ANY topic.
More than one dataset can be used, but they must complement each other and support the hypothesis you will be developing.
Introduce the dataset(s) you use – provide context about its source, relevance, and key attributes.
Creating a Hypothesis related to the data visualizations
Provide a clear, specific, and testable hypothesis
Your hypothesis should be 1-2 sentences (not longer).
A hypothesis is a statement, not a question.
Explain how your hypothesis is derived from your 3 (minimum) data visualizations.
Explain the research question or idea you aim to explore through your hypothesis.
Discuss any relevant readings or prior research that influenced the development of your hypothesis. This is highly encouraged and expected for high grades (refer to literature).
Explain how your hypothesis can be tested.
Clarify the data type, test, or experiments required to support or refute your hypothesis.
Discuss why your hypothesis is plausible based on your understanding of the dataset, the context, and prior knowledge. (Refer to the Forum lesson plans on plausibility and testability of hypotheses)
Highlight any logical reasoning or assumptions that support the validity of your hypothesis.
At least 5 references.
As a follow-up class activity, you will have a Presentation and Q&A session in the lab (LP 26- 29th October ’24). You may want to prepare your slides as you work on the assignment.
– Prepare a 1-2 minute presentation for the class
_- Maximum of 2 PowerPoint slides- You will need them in the form of a PDF – Highlight key aspects of your assignment – e.g., Data visualizations and hypothesis.
Assignment Information
Length:
1000 words excluding references
Weight:
20%
Learning Outcomes Added
EvidenceBased: Identify and appropriately structure the information needed to support an argument effectively. Explains or justifies the appropriate identification and use of evidence to support an argument; (when applicable) effectively evaluates the presentation of evidence for a given purpose by others and provides justification for the evaluation.
Visualizations: Interpret, analyze, and create data visualizations. Effectively generates a detailed data visualization appropriate for the data; effectively analyzes or interprets a data visualization and provide appropriate justification and details; (when applicable) effectively critiques a data visualization and clearly explains why certain methods are better for distinct data sets.
HypothesisDevelopment: Evaluate the link between hypothesis-driven research and the theories or observations that motivate it. Accurately identifies a link between patterns and initial data and the generation of hypotheses and clearly explains the connection; (when applicable) generates a hypothesis from data and provides a clear, well-supported justification; (when applicable) provides a clear explanation for how theories are linked to study design.
ProfessionalWorkProduct: Follows the established guidelines for the task and academic conventions in writing and presentations. Work is presented coherently, with appropriate formatting and impeccable spelling and grammar, and follows the prescribed guidelines for the assessment (word count, sections, appropriate AI use, etc.). Formal academic language has been used, and appropriate subject specific terminology is used effectively. The assessment is original work produced by the student/s. The work has been precisely cited using the requested referencing style (APA, Harvard, etc.) and includes e.g., title page, citations, referencing.