Line and area charts
Plots a count or mean across ordered categories (time points, Likert levels), one line per group; the area version stacks the groups.
Menu: Graphs → More charts → Line / area chart…
When should I use it?
- Trends across ordered categories or time points.
- Comparing the shape of a profile between groups.
What are the assumptions?
- The X categories have a natural order.
How do I run it in StatLab?
- Put the ordered variable on the category axis.
- Optionally choose a variable to average and a variable for separate lines.
- Choose Area to stack groups.
How do I read the output?
| Output | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lines | One per group; markers show each value (hover for n). |
Worked example
On the practice survey dataset (File → Sample dataset), this command — which the dialog's Paste button also produces — runs the procedure:
PROC vizLine /x=group /y='' /color='' /kind=line /errorBars=none.
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?
- Joining unordered categories (nominal) with a line — use bars.
- Stacking areas when the totals are not meaningful.