GRE Prep – Secrets of Data Interpretation

Data interpretation is thought by many to be the most difficult section of the GRE math. Basically data interpretation questions require you to read and interpret data and provide statistical analysis on the data that you are presented with. Here is the official description from ETS about the data interpretation questions that appear on the Problem Solving portion of the GRE.

Some problem solving questions involve data analysis. Many occur in sets of two to five questions that share common data in the form of tables, graphs, etc. In questions that involve data analysis, graphs are drawn as accurately as possible. Therefore, you can read or estimate data values from the graphs (whether or not there is a note that the graphs are drawn to scale).

The following strategies may help in answering problem solving questions that involve data analysis:

• Scan the data briefly to see what it is about, but do not attempt to analyze it in too much detail before reading a question. Focus on only those aspects of the data that are necessary to answer the question. Be sure to read all notes related to the data.
• When possible, try to make visual comparisons of the data given in a graph and estimate products and quotients rather than perform involved computations.
• Remember that these questions are to be answered only on the basis of the data given, everyday facts (such as the number of days in a year), and your knowledge of mathematics.
• Do not make use of specific information you recall that might relate to the particular situation on which the questions are based unless that information can be derived from the data provided.

Here are some tips to help you with the Data Interpretation portion of the GRE.

Eyeball the data and try to note any flash observations that might give you insight into the basic gist of the information present.

What does the data represent?

What is the scale of the data? Are there similar or dissimilar units of measurement?

What is the relationship between diagrams if there are multiple diagrams?

Look for clues in the question. The questions asked often contain a lot of helpful information that can clue you in as to the correct answer.

While these are some basic pointers for tackling data interpretation questions if you are still struggling it might be worthwhile to look into finding a GRE tutor to help you through your GRE problem areas.