A Reader\'s Guide to Visualizing Categorical Data

Visualizing Categorical Data presents a comprehensive overview of graphical methods for discrete data— count data, cross-tabulated frequency tables, and discrete response data. These methods are designed to complement traditional numerical summaries and sta- tistical models, expose patterns in the data, and to aid in diagnosing model defects. They are illustrated with real data problems, and implemented in a large collection of SAS macro programs avail- able with the book. A number of these methods are somewhat novel, and the macro programs may take some effort to use effectively with your own data. In this paper I present an overview of these methods and illus- trate the use of the macro programs for graphic analysis to reveal features of the data not apparent in traditional numerical summaries. The goal is to translate "theory into practice," and enable readers to use these techniques productively with their own data.