Graphical perception is the visual decoding of the quantitative and qualitative information encoded on graphs. Some recent theoretical/experimental investigations of graphical perception are described, identifying certain elementary graphical-perception tasks that are performed in the visual decoding of quantitative information from graphs.…

Discusses the hardware and software necessary to generate charts and graphs to illustrate numeric data using a microcomputer. The manufacturer, price, operating system, memory requirements, and types of graphs they can produce are given for nine graphics software packages and seven inexpensive plotters. (MBR)

This guide to the discovery, analysis, production, communication, and use of statistical information through graphic forms produced by a computer is designed to enable researchers to conduct their analyses and report research results more effectively. It is designed both for individuals with little knowledge about the use of statistical graphs or…

GrafTalk is a powerful, easy to use, business-oriented graphics package for producing pie, bar, and line-plot graphs. GrafTalk should run on nearly any CP/M-based system that drives a graphics device through serial/parallel output port. Discusses package installation, structure, documentation, and use, plotting scientific data, and comparison with…

Some experiences with a classroom computer graphics facility are recounted to show how such a facility has changed the views of some instructors teaching mathematics at the college level. Teachers are encouraged to search out and seize opportunities to acquire graphics hardware, with the added teaching capabilities promoted. (MP)

Presented are two computer programs which can be used to minimize the effort and time necessary to graph several individual functions. (TG)

Describes the design and operation of four software packages, or macros, written in the programing language of Microsoft's EXCEL for use on the Macintosh computer for data manipulation and presentation used in educational research. Reordering tabulated data, reversing the scoring of tabulated data, and creating tables and graphs are explained.…

The use of the microcomputer in an interactive graphics mode offers exciting possibilities for mathematics and science education. Errors made with graphs are used to introduce ideas of what should be taught. Both understanding equations and graphing utilities are stressed. (MNS)

This article illustrates how Lotus 1-2-3 software can be used to create graphs using downloaded online searches as raw material, notes most commands applied, and outlines three required steps: downloading, importing the downloading file into the worksheet, and making graphs. An example in bibliometrics and sample graphs are included. (EJS)

The use of microcomputers to aid geometry instruction is emphasized through discussion of a program written in BASIC which provides for experimenting with polynomial curves. The program listing is included. (MP)

This paper outlines the development of an activity that uses the computer's unique capabilities to provide students with a meaningful and highly motivating experience with the graphing of equations. The basic design of the game calls for the computer to display a coordinate grid on which it graphs any equations that are typed in by the student.…

Provides examples of such statistical graphs as line, bar, picture and pie. Suggests uses of Logo Turtle Graphics in graph construction. Includes several program procedures for creating designs with the computer. (RT)

Eighth grade physical science students studied graphing with a microcomputer as the lab partner in a microcomputer based laboratory. Graph templates were used to solve problems based on previous learning. It was concluded that the Computer as Lab Partner curriculum was effective in teaching graphing concepts. (GDC)

Two questions about the effects of microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) activities on graphing skills were addressed in this study: (1) the extent to which activities help students link their concrete experiences with motion with graphic representations of these experiences; and (2) the degree of importance of the real-time aspect of the MBL in…

Discusses personal computer price trends since 1986; describes offerings and prices for four direct-market suppliers, i.e., Dell CompuAdd, PC Brand, and Gateway 2000; and discusses overall value and price/performance ratios. Tables and graphs chart value over time. (EA)