Visualizing Data Graphs are one way to visualize data and to help the researcher look for patterns. A graph is used to show the relationships of data collected from the experiment. Graphs must be constructed accurately and according to accepted rules. Usually, a graph shows the relationship between two kinds of data. These data are called variables.
Time is a very common independent variable.
Independent variables are plotted in the horizontal axis, x axis. Create a graph to explore the relationship between date and animal and plant observations or between date and microclimate conditions. In this graph date is the independent variable. The dependent variable is sometimes referred to as the outcome variable. The dependent data is plotted on the vertical axis, the y axis.