GRE Subject Tests

The GRE Subject Tests assess knowledge and skills in specific academic areas, helping students demonstrate their readiness for graduate study.

Advanced Topics

Interpreting Graphs and Data

Making Sense of Visual Data

GRE Subject Tests often include questions involving graphs, tables, and experimental data. Interpreting this information correctly is crucial for success.

Key Skills

  • Identifying Variables: Understand what each axis or column represents.
  • Spotting Trends: Look for patterns, peaks, or anomalies in the data.
  • Drawing Conclusions: Use the data to answer specific questions or predict outcomes.

Types of Data You Might See

  • Line graphs showing trends over time
  • Bar charts comparing categories
  • Scatter plots depicting relationships between variables

Practical Steps

  • Read all labels and legends carefully.
  • Focus on the question—what part of the data is relevant?
  • Cross-check the units and scales.

Real-World Value

Data interpretation is a valuable skill for graduate research and for making informed decisions in everyday life.

Examples

  • Reading a graph about reaction rates to answer a chemistry question.

  • Analyzing survey data in a psychology test.

In a Nutshell

Interpreting graphs and data is essential for answering many GRE Subject Test questions and for research in grad school.