A Well-Supported Causal Analysis: Depicting Research Graphically

Printed Page 431
 Analyze 
Use the basic features.

Although many writers of causal analyses (like Shankar Vedantam) cite research studies to support their argument, some, like Erica Goode and Sheila McClain, also use visuals to depict some of the research they cite graphically.

ANALYZE & WRITE

Write a couple of paragraphs analyzing and evaluating Goode’s use of graphs to supplement her written description of the research:

  1. Compare the graph headed “Price” (p. 429) with Goode’s discussion of Dr. French’s research in paragraph 3, and the graph headed “Portion size” (p. 430) with Goode’s discussion of Dr. Nestle’s research in paragraph 8.
  2. Consider what these graphs add to the written text. How do they reinforce or supplement the text discussion? (If you think they are merely eye candy for readers, explain why you think so.)

    Question