Data Visualization, Part 1

Do you communicate data and information to stakeholders? This issue is Part 1 of a two-part series on data visualization and evaluation. In Part 1, we introduce recent developments in the quantitative and qualitative data visualization field and provide a historical perspective on data visualization, its potential role in evaluation practice, and future directions. It discusses: Quantitative visualization methods such as tree maps Sparklines Web-based interactive visualization Different types of qualitative data visualizations, alongwith examples in various evaluation contexts A toolography describing additional data visualization toolsand software, along with their major strengths and limitations. Intended as a guidance for understanding and designing data visualizations, this issue introduces fundamental concepts and links them to daily practice.This is the 139th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Evaluation, an official publication of the American Evaluation Association.

Do you communicate data and information to stakeholders? This issue is Part 1 of a two-part series on data visualization and evaluation. In Part 1, we introduce recent developments in the quantitative and qualitative data visualization field and provide a historical perspective on data visualization, its potential role in evaluation practice, and future directions. It discusses:* Quantitative visualization methods such as tree maps* Sparklines* Web-based interactive visualization* Different types of qualitative data visualizations, alongwith examples in various evaluation contexts* A toolography describing additional data visualization toolsand software, along with their major strengths and limitations.Intended as a guidance for understanding and designing data visualizations, this issue introduces fundamental concepts and links them to daily practice.This is the 139th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Evaluation, an official publication of the American Evaluation Association.

EDITORS' NOTES 3Tarek Azzam, Stephanie Evergreen1. Data Visualization and Evaluation 7Tarek Azzam, Stephanie Evergreen, Amy A. Germuth, Susan J.KistlerThis chapter elaborates on the definition of data visualization,highlights its historical development, and outlines future trendsin data visualization and the potential influence these trends willhave on evaluationpractice.2. Developments in Quantitative Data Display and Their 33Implications for Evaluation Christopher LysyThis chapter introduces evaluators to newer quantitative displaytypes that have gained popularity over the last decade, andpresents new functionalities, made possible by the Web, anddiscusses how these features can be used to increase the amount ofdata presented while maintaining visual simplicity.3. Visualizing Qualitative Data in Evaluation Research 53Stuart Henderson, Eden H. SegalThis chapter introduces data visualization techniques forqualitative data, and describes a conceptual framework forunderstanding the different types of qualitative datavisualizations before providing examples of visualizations invarious evaluation contexts.4. Toolography 73Susan J. Kistler, Stephanie Evergreen, Tarek AzzamThis chapter offers descriptions of a selection of the toolsmentioned in the volume, as well as others in use in the field, andprovides readers with a general estimate of their ease of use,whether free or not, and strengths/weaknesses.INDEX 8