Explain how to read a network graph
Explains how to read a network graph of your own topic in five steps, with what nodes, links and clusters can and cannot tell you.
Task:
Teach me how to read a network graph, using my own example as the running case.
Context:
My graph shows [what the nodes are] connected by [what the links mean]. I know [my level with charts and statistics] and I need to explain it to [audience].
Rules:
- Cover nodes, links, node size, clusters, and the nodes that connect groups, each in one or two sentences.
- Use my example for every point, and say plainly when I have not told you enough to apply a point.
- State what a network graph cannot show, for example that the position on the page often means nothing.
- Do not make claims about the real data behind my graph.
Result:
Five numbered steps of at most 40 words each, then a list of three questions I can ask when I look at any network graph.