Interpreting graphs from newspapers: Evidence of going beyond the data

Abstract

Two studies were undertaken in primary school to explore how students interpret graphs taken from The Straits Times. The purpose of the studies was to determine how the students read, interpret and go beyond the data. In one study 20 Primary 3 students were interviewed and asked questions about a pictograph and a bar graph with table. In the other study 24 Primary 5 students were interviewed and asked questions about a bar graph and a line graph. In each study students were divided into High Ability, Medium Ability and Low Ability based on the school mathematics performance. An analysis of the data shows that the majority of students are able to read and interpret graphs. The students had most difficulty when they are faced with questions involving "reading beyond the data". Low ability students had more difficulty than other groups. Even when reading and interpreting the data low ability students tend to be more limited in their explanations.