Scenario 2 Part A-2: Detailed Example
Legislative Versus Nonlegislative Hearings Activity

Chart to be replicated:

(Click on the thumbnails to view the larger picture.)

Step 1

Following the link "Level II: Query" above will open up the query form.

Step 2

First, select the datasets of interest. The congressional hearings dataset is the default dataset on the query form, so no need to check the box since it is already checked. Under the filter "Legislative Matters" select "only include" in order to filter the dataset to show only legislative (referred) hearings. Since we are interested in total hearings, do not check (click) any boxes next to the topics.

Step 3

Next, select the option for "Congressional Sessions". Select "80" from the "From" drop-down list and "105" from the "To" drop-down list. Next, since we want to see the results as a count of total hearings in each chamber, select the option "Number of cases per year or congress." Click "Submit Search"

Step 4

Clicking the "Submit Search" button, produces a bar chart showing the number of Legislative Hearings over time. You can alter the appearance of the chart by right-clicking anywhere on the chart. This will produce an menu of options. For more information on altering the chart appearance, please see the Chart Tutorial.

Step 5

To see the results for nonlegislative hearings, follow steps 1 through 3 but choose the filter under legislative matters "Exclude All." Click the "Search" button.

Step 6

Clicking the "Search" button, produces a bar chart showing the number of Nonlegislative Hearings over time. Note how the nonlegislative hearings increase dramatically relative to the legislative hearings.