Evaluation of Graphical Techniques for Data in Dimensions 3 to 5: Scatter Plot Matrix, Glyph and Stereo Examples

摘要

Numerous methods are available for displaying data in dimensions three through five. While results concerning elementary perceptual tasks are applicable, they do not necessarily indicate the strengths and weaknesses of the display methods for higher-order tasks such as looking for functional form, density patterns (including symmetry and independence), outliers, and local dimensionality. This paper suggests that guidance concerning preferred display techniques can be developed. The approach suggested is the subjective evaluation of graphical techniques as applied to constructed data sets. Constructed data sets serve as informative reference examples, or counter examples, for evaluating the effectiveness of particular techniques. For illustration, several display techniques are applied to a mystery data set with the expressed goal of looking for functional form. Some techniques do not perform well for this example. (ERA citation 11:008158)