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Creates a slopegraph to visualize the alignment (or divergence) between "Partner" and "Researcher" ratings. This visualization style highlights changes in rank and magnitude between two groups, making it immediately apparent where perspectives align or conflict.

Usage

visualize_alignment(
  analysis_object,
  project_title = "Project Alignment Visualization",
  color_palette = NULL
)

Arguments

analysis_object

An object of class alignment_analysis produced by analyze_alignment.

project_title

String. The title of the plot. Defaults to "Project Alignment Visualization".

color_palette

Named vector of colors. If NULL, a colorblind-friendly hue palette is generated automatically.

Value

A ggplot2 object that can be further customized (e.g., adding themes or changing labels).

Details

Methodology: The slopegraph, introduced by Edward Tufte (1983), is the preferred method for comparing gradients of change or difference between two distinct states (in this case, two distinct stakeholder roles).

Interpretation:

  • Flat Lines: Indicate perfect alignment (Partners and Researchers agree on the rating).

  • Steep Slopes: Indicate divergence (One group values the factor significantly higher than the other).

  • Crossing Lines: Indicate a difference in priority or ranking (e.g., Partners rate "Goals" highest, while Researchers rate it lowest).

The plot includes the Alignment Score (\(S_a\)) in the subtitle, providing a quick summary statistic alongside the visual detail.

References

Price, J. F. (2024). CEnTR*IMPACT: Community Engaged and Transformative Research – Inclusive Measurement of Projects & Community Transformation. CUMU.

Tufte, E. R. (1983). The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. Graphics Press.

Examples

# 1. Generate and analyze data
data <- generate_alignment_data()
results <- analyze_alignment(data)

# 2. Create the visualization
p <- visualize_alignment(results, project_title = "Year 1 Alignment")

# 3. Display the plot
print(p)