A Graphical Approach to Analyzing Relationships between Offenders and Victims Using

Abstract

Statistical graphics are powerful tools for analyzing data. They are designed to display data in ways that communicate hidden information. They expose relationships that otherwise might not be recognized. Unfortunately, graphical displays of data are rarely published in social science journals. Without pictures of the data, readers lose the insights that graphical displays provide. The purposes of this article are twofold: (a) to use statistical graphics to analyze relationships between homicide offenders and victims in the United States using Supplementary Homicide Report data on race, age, and weapon used; and (b) to encourage a more visual approach to research by demonstrating the advantages of using graphical methods for data analysis.