Sessions 21 & 22 (cont.) Math: Statistics & Probability: Graphs
MISLEADING GRAPHS
Graphs can be a powerful way to share data with the public. But not all graphs are created equal. Choosing the wrong graph type, mislabeling axes, or using an inappropriate or inconsistent scale can affect the way data appears—which can lead readers to misinterpret the data.
EXAMPLE: How is the graph below misleading? What argument might someone who created the graph want to make?
Analyze It
Look for clues like the wrong graph type, mislabeled axes, or a scale that’s too big or small.
CAREERS TEENS SAY THEY WANT TO PURSUE
100 120 140 160
CAREERS TEENS SAY THEY WANT TO PURSUE
40 60 80 100 120 140 160
DOCTOR
ATHLETE
TEACHER
SCIENTIST
CAREER
40 60 80
CAREERS TEENS SAY THEY WANT TO PURSUE
150
Here’s what we did to fix it: We started the y -axis scale at 0 and made sure all bars follow it. More respondents do want to pursue a career as a scientist instead of as an athlete but the difference isn’t as dramatic as the original graph depicts. 120 SCIENTIST TEACHER DOCTOR ATHLETE
Check It
CAREER
90
CAREERS TEENS SAY THEY WANT TO PURSUE
30 120 60 150
0 90
DOCTOR
ATHLETE
TEACHER
SCIENTIST
CAREER
60
30
0
DOCTOR
ATHLETE
TEACHER
SCIENTIST
CAREER
62 Sessions 21 & 22
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