Statistical Graphs - Essay Example

In a New York Times’ newspaper d August 27 2009, an article compares the relationship between SAT scores and family earnings. The article by Rampell, whose heading reads ‘SAT scores and family income’, shows the effect that family income has on the SAT scores of individuals. The article shows how low family income usually translates into low SAT scores by use of graphs. Individuals whose family had a higher income were more likely to perform better than their counterparts were. Both bar and line graphs are used in this article, and they graphs show the correlation that exists between SAT scores and the income a family earns.

This increase is experienced in all test scores that include math, critical reading and writing. The line graph shows the change in SAT scores over change in income more effectively than the bar graph. It shows the correlation and relationship of family income to SAT scores in a clearer manner making it easy to understand.The bar graph also shows a pattern but it is not as clear as shown by the line graph. The bar graph, however, shows a change in magnitude more effectively than the line graph.

The bar graph show the level of magnitude change that occurs in the SAT scores when there is a change in the level of income a family earns. The bar graph tends to summarize the data discussed more accurately that the line graph. Works CitedRampell, Campbell. SAT Scores and Family Income, 2009. Web. Accessed on February 19, 2012. Available at: The Top Ten Worst Graphs. Web. Accessed on February 19, 2012. Available at: