Abstract
We have Concluded that teaching undergraduate students to use spreadsheet software to analyze, interpret, and communicate spreadsheet data through a graph is an information technology exercise in whole brain thinking. In investigating why our students have difficulty constructing proper graphs, we have discovered that graphing requires two different types of thinking: analytical, logical thinking for working with data and choosing the correct type of graph, and creative, holistic thinking to construct a graph that is aesthetically pleasing and accurately communicates the meaning of the data. Common graph types and their proper usage are discussed. To improve information technology graphing, we suggest instructors teach students to fully understand the data before deciding on a message to communicate, visualize the graph before using the software to create it, and focus on the “look and feel” of the graph.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brasseur, L. (2001). Critiquing the culture of computer graphing practices.Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 31(1), 27–39.
Central Intelligence Agency. (2003).Theworld factbook. Retrieved January 15, 2004, from http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factboolc/index.html
Cherry, C., Godwin, D., & Staples, J. (1989).Is the left brain always right?A guide to whole child development. Belmont, CA: David S. Lake.
Cleveland, W. (1985).The elements of graphing data. Monterey, CA: Wadsworth.
Connell, D. (2002). Left brain-right brain.Instructor, 112(2), 28–33.
Fact Monster. (2003) Salt lake city: 2002Winter Olympics. Final medal standings. Retrieved January 28, 2004, from http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0900268.html
Gardner, H. (1982).Art, mind and brain. New York: Basic Books.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association. (2003).GAMA first quarter 2003 statistics analysis. Retrieved March 20, 2004, from http://www.avbuyer.com/Editorial/GAMA1stQ03.pdf
Gordon, H. (1990). The neurobiological basis of hemisphericity. In C. Trevarthen, (Ed.).Brain circuits and functions of the mind (pp. 249–265). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Henry, G. (1995).Graphing data: Techniques for display and analysis. London: Sage Publications.
Herrmann, N. (1990).The creative brain. Lake Lure, NC: Brain Books.
Herrmann, N. (1996).The whole brain business book. New York: McGraw Hill.
Iaccino, J. (1993).Left brain — right brain differences: Inquiries, evidence, and new approaches. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
Infoplease. (2002).Top 20 selling passenger cars in the US, 1999–2001. Retrieved February 20, 2004, from http://infoplease.com/ipa/A0883576.html
Johnson, D., Ferguson, J., & Lester, M. (2002). Computer experiences, self-efficacy and knowledge of students entering a college of agriculture.NACTA Journal, 46(1), 58–67.
Leonard, J., & Patterson, T. (2004). Simple computer graphing assignment becomes a lesson in critical thinking.NACTA Journal 48(2), 17–21.
Mirel, B. (1998). Visualizations for data exploration and analysis: A critical review of usability research.Technical Communication, 45(4), 491–509.
Patterson, T., Leonard, J., & Harper, W. (2001). A core curriculum for the 21st century.NACTA Journal, 45(4), 13–20.
Ratey, J. (2002).A user’s guide to the brain: Perception, attention, and the four theaters of the brain. New York: Vintage.
Roth, E., & McGinn, M. (1997). Graphing: Cognitive ability or practice?Science Education, 81, 91–106.
Schmid, C., & Schmid, S. (1979).Handbook of graphic presentation. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Searlman, A. (1977). A review of right hemisphere linguistic capabilities.Psychological Bulletin, 84, 503–528.
Searlman, A. (1983). Language capabilities of the right hemisphere. In A. Young (Ed.),Functions of the right cerebral hemisphere (pp. 87–111). New York: Academic Press.
Sergent, J. (1981). Theoretical and methodological consequences of variations in exposure duration in visual laterality studies.Perception and Psychophysics, 31, 451–461.
Springer, S. (1987). Left brain, right brain: Do we educate both?The Education Digest, 53(2), 22.
Springer, S., & Deutsch, G. (1998).Left brain, right brain (5th ed.). San Francisco: Freeman.
Trevarthen, C. (1990). Editor’s preface: Roger W. Sperry’s lifework and our tribute. In C. Trevarthen (Ed.),Brain circuits and functions of the mind (xxvii–xxxvii). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Tufte, E. (1990).Envisioning information. Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press.
Tufte, E. (1983).The visual display of quantitative information. Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press.
Tufte, E. (1997).Visual explanations: Images and quantities, evidence and narrative. Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press.
Unsworth, J. (1996) Dare to think new.Arts & activities, 119(3), 26.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (2003).Detroit District. Great Lakes Hydrographs. Retrieved February 12, 2004, from http:www.lre.usace.army.mil.index.cfm?chn_ID= 1383& lake_id=2
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (1998).National Statistics Service. Statistical bulletin number 946c. Final estimates 1992–1997.Value of principal vegetables for fresh market. Retrieved February 1, 2004, from http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/ reports/general/sb/b9460199.txt
Wallgren, A., Wallgren, B., Persson, R., Jorner U., & Haaland, J.-A. (1996).Graphing statistics & data. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications.
Wonder, J., & Donnovan, P. (1984).Whole brain thinking: Working from both sides of the brain to achieve peak job performance. New York: William Morrow and Co.
Young, A. (1983).Functions of the right cerebral hemisphere. New York: Academic Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Patterson, T.F., Leonard, J.G. Turning spreadsheets into graphs: An information technology lesson in whole brain thinking. J. Comput. High. Educ. 17, 95–115 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02960228
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02960228