Drop-line chart
Shows a summary (mean) for each group at each category, joined by a vertical line that highlights the gap between groups.
Menu: Graphs → More charts → Drop-line chart…
When should I use it?
- Showing gaps between groups across categories (e.g. male–female differences by department).
What are the assumptions?
- A scale variable, a category axis and a grouping variable.
How do I run it in StatLab?
- Choose the axis, the variable and the grouping.
How do I read the output?
| Output | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Points | Group means; the line spans the lowest to the highest. |
Worked example
On the practice survey dataset (File → Sample dataset), this command — which the dialog's Paste button also produces — runs the procedure:
PROC vizDropLine /x=group /y=score /color=gender.
Computed by StatLab's validated procedure code when this page was built. The example only illustrates the steps; choose variables that fit your own research question.
What are common mistakes?
- Reading the gap as significant without a test.