VCE Data Analytics U3O1 Definitions Worksheet: Statistical analysis of data to Designing data visualisations (Modules 94–128)
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Key terms
Write what each term means, in your own words.
1
distribution shape
2
skew
3
exploratory data analysis
4
presentation visualisation
5
interactive visualisation
6
static vs interactive vs live
7
dynamic data visualisation
8
visual hierarchy
9
clarity of message
10
Justify a design choice
Answer Key
VCE Data Analytics U3O1 · Modules 94–128 · Student wording will vary for definitions
1distribution shape — How data values are spread out, seen on a histogram: symmetrical (bell-shaped or uniform) or bimodal, which has two peaks. Skew is covered separately.
2skew — Lopsidedness of a distribution: positive skew has a long tail to the high side, negative skew to the low side. The mean is pulled towards the tail, away from the median.
3exploratory data analysis — Using quick charts and summaries to discover patterns, relationships and outliers in data. The analyst is the audience, trying different charts to form questions.
4presentation visualisation — A visualisation that clearly shows findings to an audience, with a polished design that makes the key message obvious.
5interactive visualisation — A visualisation where users explore the data themselves, for example by filtering, selecting items or hovering over points for more detail.
6static vs interactive vs live — A static visualisation is fixed. An interactive one lets users change the view. Live data updates automatically, while stored data is a fixed copy saved at one point in time.
7dynamic data visualisation — An interactive visual linked to live data, so charts update when the data changes or the user refreshes it or uses controls like filters.
8visual hierarchy — Using size, position, colour and weight to show which element viewers should read first, so the key message stands out and the reading order is clear.
9clarity of message — A visualisation has clarity of message when a viewer can state its one key point quickly, because clutter is removed and a descriptive title tells them what to look for.
10Justify a design choice — Give a reason for a design choice (chart, colour, format) that links it to the purpose of the solution, the needs of the audience and the type of data. Use 'because' to link them.