2.3 Graphical Misrepresentations of Data

Learing objectives

1. Describe what can make a graph misleading or deceptive

Guidelines for Constructing Good Graphics part 2

Avoid clutter, such as excessive gridlines and unnecessary backgrounds or pictures. Don't distract the reader. Avoid three dimensions. Three-dimensional charts may look nice, but they distract the reader and often lead to misinterpretation of the graphic.

Guidelines for Constructing Good Graphics part 3

Do not use more than one design in the same graphic. Sometimes graphs use a different design in one portion of the graph to draw attention to that area. Don't try to force the reader to any specific part of the graph. Let the data speak for themselves. Avoid relative graphs that are devoid of data or scales.

Avoid distortion.

Never lie about the data.

Statistics

The only science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions. - Evan Esar

Avoid three dimensions.

Three-dimensional charts may look nice, but they distract the reader and often lead to misinterpretation of the graphic.

Guidelines for Constructing Good Graphics part 1

Title and label the graphic axes clearly, providing explanations, if needed. Include units of measurement and a data source when appropriate. Avoid distortion. Never lie about the data. Minimize the amount of white space in the graph. Use the available space to let the data stand out. If scales are truncated, be sure to clearly indicate this to the reader.

Minimize the amount of white space in the graph.

Use the available space to let the data stand out. If scales are truncated, be sure to clearly indicate this to the reader.

Title and label the graphic axes

clearly, providing explanations, if needed. Include units of measurement and a data source when appropriate.

Avoid relative

graphs that are devoid of data or scales.

Do not use more than

one design in the same graphic. Sometimes graphs use a different design in one portion of the graph to draw attention to that area. Don't try to force the reader to any specific part of the graph. Let the data speak for themselves.

Avoid clutter

such as excessive gridlines and unnecessary backgrounds or pictures. Don't distract the reader.