Understanding error bars in charts
Error bars illustrate the margin of error for a survey estimate by showing how precise that estimate is. Here are some answers to common questions that might help you better understand charts with error bars.
A behind-the-scenes blog about research methods at Pew Research Center.
For our latest findings, visit pewresearch.org.
Latest from Decoded
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Weighting survey data with the pewmethods R package
This post walks through the process of weighting and analyzing a survey dataset.
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Exploring survey data with the pewmethods R package
This post provides tips on recoding and collapsing survey data and displaying weighted estimates of categorical variables.
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Introducing pewmethods: An R package for working with survey data
Our new R package contains various functions that we use in our day-to-day survey work.
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The ‘class size paradox’: How individual- and group-level perspectives differ, and why it matters in research
The average class size at a university conveys little about the experience of the average student there.
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Trends are a cornerstone of public opinion research. How do we continue to track changes in public opinion when there’s a shift in survey mode?
Mode differences present a challenge to analyzing trends over time. While these differences can vary, there are lessons to be learned.
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Measuring community type in Europe, from big cities to country villages
How an outside measure of community type compares with Europeans’ own descriptions of where they live.
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Using fixed and random effects models for panel data in Python
Identifying causal relationships from observational data is not easy. Still, researchers are often interested in examining the effects of policy changes.
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Evaluating what makes a U.S. community urban, suburban or rural
A look at how objective measures of community type compare with the way Americans describe their own areas.
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When the unexpected happens, what’s a survey researcher to do?
From weather events to snap elections, outside developments can sometimes disrupt surveys while they are in the field.
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5 tips for writing about polls
There are some simple guidelines writers can follow to minimize the risk of readers misunderstanding or misinterpreting survey findings.
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