Data Options

Flexible Graphing With Just One Worksheet

Minitab's Data Options are three unique tools aimed at making graphing simpler. In different circumstances these tools—Subset, Frequency, and Group Options—allow you to explore and present data in ways that would otherwise be possible only by creating and manipulating new worksheets. Here's a closer look at how these options can help make your ideal graph easier to create.

Subset

Without using Data Options, you must first subset your data into separate smaller pieces if you want to graph different portions of one worksheet. But the Subset feature inData Options allows you to graph any part of your worksheet without altering it.

The source worksheet for this scatterplot included observations from both Plant A and Plant B. But when graphed together, it's difficult to identify a relationship.

With a few clicks, the graph is re-created—this time using Subset to include only those observations from Plant B. A stronger relationship appears.

Frequency

Using a frequency column can simplify collecting categorical data. But what about continuous data? In some cases, you might find it more convenient to use a frequency column when collecting continuous data, and with Frequency, you can use these data without reformatting them.

In this data set, a frequency column was used as a quicker means of recording the occurrence of different test scores on a 100-point scale.

The Frequency tool allows the creation of the resulting histogram without reformatting into raw data.

Group Options

The data to the right represents the number of production errors by shift and machine. But what about Machine #3 during the night shift? And what about the errors recorded for Machine #2 where no shift is specified? With Group Options, you can specify how these kinds of groups will be represented in a graph.
Suppose no data were collected for Machine #3 during the night shift because no errors were made. You'd want to include this "empty cell" on your graph. And if you decided to ignore errors that couldn't be attributed to a particular shift, you'd want to leave these "missing groups" out.
On the other hand, if Machine #3 simply wasn't operated during the night shift, you'd want to leave this grouping out of your graph. And if you found it important to note the number of errors that couldn't be paired with a shift, you'd want to include these groups.

Using Data Options

All of these options are accessed through the Data Options button found on many graph and chart Data Source dialog boxes. Follow these simple instructions to use them when creating your next graph or chart. Subset

1. Click Data Options, then click the Subset tab.
2. Under Include or Exclude, choose Specify which rows to include or Specify which rows to exclude.
3. Under Specify Which Rows To Include/Exclude, choose one of the following:
   • All rows/No Rows to include or exclude all rows
   • Rows that match and click Condition to enter a condition to be met by included or excluded rows
   • Brushed rows to include or exclude brushed rows
   • Row numbers and enter specific rows numbers to be included or excluded
4. Click OK.

1. Click Data Options, then click the Frequency tab.
2. In Frequency variable, enter the column containing the frequency data.
3. Click OK.

1. Click Data Options, then click the Group Options tab.
2. Check or uncheck Include missing as a group to include or exclude group levels that include a missing value in your graph.
3. Check or uncheck Include empty cells to include exclude group level combinations that aren't listed in your data.
4. Click OK.

Putting It to Use

Each of these tools will help you to expand your graphing possibilities without requiring you to reorganize your data. Use Subset to quickly produce innumerable graphs from one static data set. With Frequency, you can utilize frequency data with most any graph in the Graph menu. And with Group Options you can ensure that data with sometimes complex multiple group levels are represented as you intended. With Minitab's collection of Data Options, not having to manipulate your data means you have more time to produce the thorough, accurate graphs you need.

Visit Accessing the Power of Minitab for additional tutorials on the many time-saving features and functionality available in Minitab Statistical Software.

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