Similarity matrix

http://iv.slis.indiana.edu/sw/simvis.html

The Similarity matrix displays data showing the similarity between two variables. We are able to identify the similarities in the matrix by the varying colors used in the matrix. The above matrix shows similarities between image text description for a software..

Correlation matrix

http://depthofprocessing.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

A Correlation matrix displays the correlation between the different varieties of variables. When the same variables are compared in the matrix the value/coefficient is always one. In the correlation matrix above there are eight different variables shown and eight correlation coefficients. 

Star plots

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar_chart

In a star plot there can be multiple variables being compared. A star is formed when the lines from the variables connect creating a star shape. The above is an example of a star plot used by NASA to compare different design results. They are testing each design for accuracy, collision, time, mass, link defection, trajectory completion, and actuator saturation. The center of the star plot represents the most desired results, which in this case is the MER IDD and is represented by the red line. 

Stem and Leaf plot

http://www.eduplace.com/math/mhm/5/06a/

A Stem and Leaf plot is a statistical plot that displays quantitative data. For the stem and leaf plot above it shows the ages of people at a family reunion. The data for this stem and leaf plot was split into a left column, stem, and a right column, leaf. For these types of plots there is always one stem and can be multiple and repeating leafs. An example of what the numbers look like before they are divided into a stem and leaf plot are 32, 45, and 81.

Box plot

http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/eda/section3/boxplot.htm

A box plot graph shows numerical data for different variables on an x and y axis. The lines extending outside of the upper and lower part of the box plot are called whiskers and they represent variability outside of the box plot. In the box plot above the x axis represents the comparison of four machines for energy output and the y axis represents the energy response. From the information provided above machine three has the highest energy response, machine two the second, machine one the third highest and machine four has the least energy response. 

Histogram

http://www.webquest.hawaii.edu/kahihi/mathdictionary/H/histogram.php

A histogram is represented by a bar graph and can display one or more variables on a graph, these graphs are also known as frequency distribution graphs. These types of graphs shows the distribution of continuous data which is represented on an x and y axis, also the bars should always be next to each other when displaying the information. In the histogram above a single variable is represented, the scores on the final exam and the y axis represents the number of students which ranges from 0-50 and the x axis represents the score on final exam which ranges from 0-100. This graph also uses different colors to represent the different scores which I found made it easier to read.

Parallel coordinate graph

http://usagainstthemachines.com/senior-thesis/

A Parallel coordinate graph represents two or more variables. The above displays information on an x and y axis. The y axis represents greenhouse gas global warming potential from lowest, represented using red lines, and highest, represented using purple lines. The x axis displays 6 different software implementation versions and each are separated by a black line that runs vertical through the graph.  I find these types of graphs to be difficult and hard to read.