Graphs in Scientific Publications

Graphical communication in scientific publications can be improved; a detailed analysis of all graphs in one volume of Science revealed that 30% had errors. Graphs are used more in some disciplines than in others; a survey of 57 journals revealed natural science journals use far more graphs than mathematical or social science journals. Usage studies such as these provide important information for developing four other areas: new graphical methods for data presentation, guidelines, software, and human graphical perception.