Handling data
Changing the scale on the vertical axis Let’s Learn Together
Look at the same data on two different scales.
Tonnes of recycling each month
Tonnes of recycling each month
1000
1000
900
800
700
500
600
500
400
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr
Jan Feb Mar Apr
Notice the difference between the scales on the vertical axis. The axis on the first graph shows the scale going up in 100 tonnes and starts at 400. The second graph has a scale going up in 500 tonnes and starts at 0. The first graph gives the impression that there has been great variability between the months. The second graph gives an impression of less variability.
Can you think of a situation where you would publish each of the graphs above? Why would the difference in scale be useful for your argument?
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