Methods for Portraying Three-Dimensional Graphs in Two Dimensions
Problem Solved: Three-Dimensional bar graphs are commonly used in biomedical studies to portray how two categorical variables (e.g., predictors, risk factors) jointly contribute to an outcome. However, most 3-D bar graphs fail to achieve the desired feature of equally representing the relationships between the outcome variable and each of two predictors, including fixing (condition on) one predictor to examine the relationship of the other predictor and the outcome. In addition, 3 D bar graphs are prone to misinterpretation and misperceptions, and are limited to data that exhibit non-overlapping trends (i.e., none of the outcomes in joint categories is concealed by others). Others have attempted to overcome these shortcomings, but none of these Two-Dimensional projections can equally present the relationships between a continuous outcome and each of two categorical predictors in a single plot. This innovation provides a graphing method that projects 3D bar graphs into 2-D whereby the third dimension is replaced with a polygon whose area and middle vertical and horizontal lengths represent the outcomes. The method produces a distinctive diamond graph shape that conveys complex relationship clearly and accurately. Illustration: Advantages: Display gives equal weight (equiponderant) to two predictors of outcomes: Graphical representation is invariant to rotations and avoids outcomes in categories being concealed by others; Method circumvents limitations of both 3D bar graphs and current 2D alternatives; Display is not prone to misinterpretation, does not require projection and does not rely on observer applying graphical perspectives; Method has wide applications in biomedical research, business, statistics, epidemiology, and in economics; Method can be easily implemented in widely available software.Type of Offer: Licensing
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