How You Can Become An Expert Figure Analyst?

Session 316

We’ll share the best tips and tricks that will allow you to confidently assess figures. We’re joined by Noor from Blueprint MCAT. If you would like to follow along on YouTube, go to premed.tv.

Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points.

[01:49] Interpreting Figures in Passage Analysis

The diagrams and the figures that come on the MCAT can be very intimidating for a lot of students. Today, we’re looking at a figure from a Blueprint MCAT resource.

It is important to understand that figures are an integral part of passages. During the analysis of experimental design passages, the first step is to identify the independent and dependent variables. The independent variable is manipulated by researchers, while the dependent variable is affected by this manipulation.

Unveiling the LVUS Strategy for Accurate Analysis

When engaging with a passage, the ability to identify the dependent and independent variables is crucial for accurately interpreting figures. This knowledge serves as an introduction, setting the foundation for comprehension.

For instance, in the provided image, we encounter the dysbiosis index plotted against the fecal calprotectin measure. The dysbiosis index represents a numerical scale without units, while fecal calprotectin is measured in milligrams over kilograms.

To effectively analyze such figures, we can employ the LVUS strategy, which entails focusing on the LEGEND, VARIABLES, UNITS, and STORY embedded within the visual representation.

LEGEND

One important aspect of the figures is the legend, which provides information about what is depicted on the graph. It explains the meaning behind elements such as dotted lines. In cases where a legend is absent, a caption serves a similar purpose. In the current figure, the caption indicates that it shows the relationship between fecal calprotectin and dysbiosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Reading and understanding the legend or caption is crucial, so be thorough.

VARIABLES

The independent variable in this context is the dysbiosis index, with values ranging from 1 to 5. Researchers manipulate the number of participants within each index. Meanwhile, the dependent variable is fecal calprotectin, which indicates the level of the substance in relation to the dysbiosis index. This demonstrates how different index values affect the presence of fecal calprotectin.

UNITS

The dysbiosis index is a qualitative measure and does not have associated units. However, the y-axis representing fecal calprotectin, the dependent variable, is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).

'Pay attention to units. Why? Because sometimes our figures will have one unit, but our question will present with another unit or the answers will have a different unit.'Click To Tweet

It is crucial to pay attention to units as they can vary and impact the interpretation of questions and answers. Ignoring unit conversions can lead to incorrect responses, something the MCAT often exploits. Therefore, always be mindful of units and their importance in understanding figures accurately.

STORY

One part of the story is looking at significance. For the purpose of the MCAT, significance is often indicated by an asterisk (*) or a p-value of less than 0.05. These markers represent that there is a significant difference in the data being analyzed.

“For the purpose of the MCAT, any P value less than point 0.5 is significant.”Click To Tweet

Additionally, error bars can also be used to assess significance. If the error bars do not overlap, it indicates a significant difference, while overlapping bars suggest no significant difference.

In the provided figure, two p-values are observed, with one showing a significant difference in fecal calprotectin levels between individuals with different dysbiosis indices. It is essential to understand and interpret these markers accurately for effective analysis on the MCAT.

[11:43] Interpreting Graphs and Extracting Key Information

When analyzing a graph, it is important to understand the significance of p-values and the appropriate comparisons to make. In this particular figure, there is no direct comparison between individual groups (e.g., 1 to 5 or 2 to 5).

Instead, the p-value provided compares groups 1 through 4 (dysbiosis index of 1 through 4) collectively against group 5.

This is the crucial information to consider when interpreting the graph. While it may initially take time to grasp the story behind the figure, with practice, one can efficiently and effectively extract valuable insights.

This skill becomes particularly beneficial when answering MCAT questions that inquire about the experiment’s results and what can be inferred from them.

[13:05] Final Thoughts

'It's worthwhile to spend maybe 20 to 30 seconds looking over the figure.'Click To Tweet

Taking a brief 20 to 30 seconds to familiarize oneself with a figure is a worthwhile investment. While not delving too deeply, it is essential to orient oneself with the legend, variable units, and, most importantly, the story behind the figure.

Understanding what the figure is measuring provides a good grasp of the topic at hand and makes the passage more comprehensible.

Figures have the power to simplify complex information and make it visually appealing compared to lengthy text. Therefore, it is beneficial to at least glance at the figure, focusing on the initial three aspects, as it does not consume much time yet enhances understanding.