Scenario: An epidemiologist (Ted) has data on rates of TB for the cities of Michigan, and for many consecutive years. He wonders what plots might help him show his data best.

He is interested in the following illustrations:

  • all cities with rates above the national average;
  • distinguishing the four quartiles of the rate distribution by city;
  • a plot of the distribution of rates;
  • a plot of Michigan with graphical representation of rates.

Questions:

  1. Where might Ted get data on the locations of cities within Michigan? A map outline of Michigan? Demographic information for the cities?
  2. Suggest a plot for each illustration Ted requires.
  3. How might "linked plots" be effectively used? How could Ted show changes over time?
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