This article reviews, at an elementary level, the ways in which information from strong-motion earthquake records may be presented. The various methods of presentation are illustrated with reference to the strong-motion records obtained at Pacoima Dam, in the San Fernando earthquake of 1971. As acceleration response spectra from the basis of most codes for the design of earthquake resistant structures, the historical development of response spectra is traced from the initial concept. Simplification of presentation by the use of 'pseudo' response spectra, and the use of spectra to define earthquake intensity are outlined.