Wk+6

**'Seeing is Believing' at [] very carefully, and answer the following questions.**

**Why has the “hockey stick graph” as it has been nicknamed because of its characteristic shape, shown by Al Gore in 'The Inconvenient Truth', one of the most contested examples of information visualization in the history of science?**

Information visualization is the interdisciplinary study of how non-numerical information, or abstract data, is represented through visual technologies, such as graphics. The Hockey Stick graph was used in Al Gore’s video “The Inconvenient Truth.” It depicts the different temperature variations the Earth has experienced over the last thousand years. This graph became highly debated because of the controversy it brought. One of the biggest criticism it has received is the way in which the information is represented. People have pointed out the because the hockey stick graph is highly complex, when other scientists present graphs under Tufte’s principle, these graphs lose validity as it doesn’t have that dramatic effect or wake-up call as Al Gore’s graphic did.

**Reference [] and John Daly's refutation of the hockey stick graph [] to compare and contrast their points of view with Al Gore’s use of the graph. Why do you think there has there been such a pushback from people regarding Al Gore’s use of the ‘hockey stick graph’ in ‘The Inconvenient Truth’? (3 paragraphs, opinion, no right or wrong answer.)**

While the visualization of information such as the Hockey Stick graph in question can prove beneficial, the preconceived notion that a graph represents scientific facts is one that has deceived people in the past. Visualizations help sell an idea and when combined with science, it becomes a powerful tool do persuade and or dissuade others. Often times, one has to question the integrity of the data presented. common with most peer reviewed scientific papers that are published is a full disclosure of financial support and other parties who may have vested interest in a specific project. Furthermore, scientists will always question or support the works of their fellow researchers as this is a system that has been set up to prevent questionable research or findings that could have far reaching consequences. As a student of science, it is up to each individual to educate themselves regarding a matter of concern so that any decisions and or opinions regardless of what side one chooses can be fully supported by research which they deem is important. The contrasting opinions presented by Daly and the researcher who validated the graph in question have strong arguments - however, it is up to the rest the rest of the collective population to empower themselves with the knowledge to be assess situations accordingly.

**Read Edward Tufte: The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 1983.** **by John Corbett at []. What are his four principles on how make effective graphics, (which he called the Theory of Data Graphics):**

1. Elimination of “chart junk:” This refers to simplifying the visual representation of the graph by taking away all the visual elements which distract the viewer from what should really be represented.

2. Maximization of Data-ink: It refers to the “non-erasable ink for the presentation of data. The data-ink ratio is the proportion of Ink that is used to present the actual data compared to the total amount of ink (or pixels) used in the entire display (InfoVis, 2011).” According to Tufte’s principle a good graphic can only include data-ink.

3. MultiFunctioning Graphical Elements: Means to mobilize graphical elements several times in order to diffuse the data.

4. High data density: Make a graph proportional to the amount of information you have. It is creating a graphic that is in ratio to the amount of data you have. []

**What does Edward Tufte say about the strengths of showing multiple images side by side for more accurate information visualization? (2 paragraphs)**

Putting multiple images side by side allows people to make comparison at a glance – Tufte calls this “uninterrupted visual reasoning (TGAT).” It is similar as to what happens in animation, the gap between one frame and another is minimized, and as a result, the viewer sees one whole illustration or sequence. The trick in here, as it is in animation, is making each frame differ in a very small amount, by making very small differences, “the mind can combine a dozen graphs into a single mental filmstrip (TGAT).” Personally, creating a graph that can tell a “story” is much more inviting and also easier to make a point across, as it engages the viewer past the numbers and lines. By using multiples you enforce people to make comparisons, find alternatives, and also point out differences between what is being done.

1. The industrial use of water in North America is close to reaching its maximum.

2. In North America, the majority of countries do have access to clean water, unlike most cities in Africa.

3. A lot of water is being used to create the packaging of goods, strictly related to the industrial aspect.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px;">**Note the technical tools the two creators used. What are they? List them:**

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px;">1.Adobe Flash (Interactiveness)

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px;">2. Adobe Illustrator (Visual representation; graphical/design aspect)

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px;">3. TextMate (General-purpose GUI text editor)

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px;">**Find three other information visualization graphics from [] List their URLs and titles, and write a comment about how each of the developers designed the interfaces to reflect datasets about sustainability for the user graphically in terms of form and content:**

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px;">1.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px;">2.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px;">3.