Visualizing Change: Spreadsheets and Graphical Representation Across Domains in Human Service Practice

ABSTRACT

Spreadsheets are underutilized evaluative tools. Spreadsheets are applicable for data collection, statistical analysis, and graphical representation. This paper demonstrates the utilization of spreadsheet-generated data visualization procedures in the graphical representation of change across domains of human services. Also presented are models for graphical representation of change over time. The data visualization procedures discussed include standard deviation enhanced line graphs (SDELG), area graphs, and surface plots. Three domains of human service evaluation well-suited to use of spreadsheet graphical representational tools are practice evaluation, program evaluation, and the policy outcome evaluation.

KEYWORDS:

• Data visualization
• spreadsheets
• surface plots
• practice evaluation
• program evaluation