Data Visualization
Textual Analysis Tools
- VoyantA web-based reading and analysis environment for digital texts.
- JSTOR Text AnalyzerAllows you to map a document to JSTOR's content.
- Google Books Ngram ViewerA web application that displays the usage of words or phrases over time, sampled from
the millions of books that Google has scanned. - HathiTrustBookworm
- Venn DiagramsHeinOnline includes a new feature, which uses venn diagrams to facilitate easier, more organized research with databases.
Mapping Tools
- PolicyMapA web-based GIS-light mapping tool for US economic, health and education data. Seton Hall has a subscription, although a public version is available.
- Tableau PublicHelps you create and share interactive charts and graphs, maps, and dashboards
- Tour BuilderUses Google Earth.
- Excel Power MapAllows you to map out data on a 3D globe/map.
- Power BIBusiness analytics tool that changes data information into visual designs.
Data Visualization Tools
- CanvaEnables the creation of infographics with drag and drop functionality.
- Tableau PublicHelps you create and share interactive charts and graphs, maps, and dashboards
- RAW GraphsTransforms complex data into a visual representation.
Getting Started
What is data visualization? Data visualization is the presentation of data in a pictorial or graphical format. Think maps or infographics. Many steps past PowerPoint integrating rules of mathematics and psychology for stronger data analysis and interpretation..
How does this differ from statistics? Statistics are tables or reports you may find in an article or online. They provide an interpretation of data, but data visualization takes you a step beyond. It allows you to display information in a graphical format.
So then what is data? View data as the raw material for your research. You may create original data in a survey or view data online about topics ranging from the US Census, literacy rates or global heal
How can this help my research as a student? You can set yourself apart from your peers by generating an interesting infographic or map. For example, you may have heard of GIS (Geographic Information Systems). These systems and those listed below let us question, analyze, and interpret data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends. You can add an electronic module to a research paper or a thesis. This can be a conversation starter for a graduate school or job application. There may be a digital storytelling opportunity in your dissertation.
How will this help after Seton Hall? Analyzing a data set in any field, a government policy or part of an economic crisis is a life skill. In addition to good writing and citing habits, being able to interpret and articulate trends and relationships about a subject will help you succeed whether you become a teacher, a PhD student or a stockbroker. Let us help you now!
Great Resources
- "How We Helped Our Reporters Learn to Love Spreadsheets"Free training and tip sheets from the New York Times
- FlowingDataExplores how statisticians, designers, data scientists, and others use analysis, visualization, and exploration to understand data and ourselves.
- Spurious CorrelationsProject designed as a fun way to look at correlations and to think about data. The aim of this project is to foster interest in statistics and numerical research.
- NodeXLNodeXL Basic and NodeXL Pro are add-ins for Microsoft® Excel® (2007, 2010, 2013, 2016) that support social network and content analysis.
Mind Maps
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowYou can also simply use the Reference Sources tab at library.shu.edu
- CoggleAllows you to create collaborative flowcharts and mind maps.
Our Collection
Edward R. Tufte has created important books about data visuaization. We have several books here in the library including