Lecture: Graph Analysis Skills for GAMSAT

Introduction

• Presenter: Jesse, a tutor and business owner from Melbourne
• Achieved a high score in the GAMSAT, especially in Section 3
• Aim: Provide high-quality, free resources and actionable skills for GAMSAT candidates
• Focus: Graph analysis skills applicable in biology, chemistry, and physics sections

General Graph Reading Tips

• Scan the Axes
  • Identify variables and units
  • Understand the scale being used (linear, logarithmic, etc.)
• Reading Graphs
  • Scan for scale and variables but avoid drawing conclusions until reading the question
  • Understand common scales (linear, logarithmic) and scientific notation

Graph Features to Consider

• Logarithmic Scales
  • Standard logs (base 10) are typically used
  • Understand order of magnitude and estimation
• Scale Alterations
  • Be aware of scales like 'in thousands' or scientific notation (e.g., 10^6)
  • Common prefixes: nano (10^-9), micro (10^-6), milli (10^-3), etc.
• Broken Scales
  • Double dash or zigzag denotes discontinuity
• Slopes and Gradients
  • Indicates rate of change (Y per X)
  • Linear graphs imply constant gradient
  • Exponential growth/decay, S-curves, etc.

Specific Graph Types

• Line Graphs
  • Analyze relationships between variables
  • Look for linearity, exponential trends, and plateaus
• Comparative Line Graphs
  • Handle multiple variables
  • Use line testing to comprehend variable relationships
• Distribution Curves
  • Focus on turning points and spread
• Bar Charts (Grouped and Stacked)
  • Group isolation, connecting tops, and reading error bars
• Sinusoidal Graphs
  • Focus on amplitude and period
• Pseudo-Ternary Phase Diagrams
  • Understand composition and read proportions

Analytical Techniques

• Area Under the Curve
  • Represents the product of variables (e.g., speed x time = distance)
• Vertical Separation and Intersection Points
  • Analyze differences and indifference points

Conclusion

• Key takeaway points:
  • Scan axes and scales
  • Consider slope implications and area under curves
• Develop a personal cheat sheet as a study aid
• Regular practice and adaptation of strategies based on mistakes and discoveries

Note: The skills discussed here could also be useful in Section 1 of the GAMSAT for qualitative analysis. Practice and familiarity with these graph types and analysis methods are essential for success.