How to Spot a Misleading Graph

Distorting the scale on a graph is one of the most common methods of presenting which of the following form(s) of misleading information?

• A.) An inconsistent scale on the x-axis.

• B.) Zooming in on a small portion of the y-axis.

• C.) Bar graphs that minimize differences.

• D.) All of the above.

Which of the following is an example of "cherry picking" data?

• A.) Presenting the data on a complete scale.

• B.) Choosing specific data points that represent the desired point of view.

• C.) Leaving out certain data points.

• D.) All of the above.

• E.) Both B and C.

Why are graphs commonly used to present claims?

• A.) Graphs represent data and data isn’t an opinion.

• B.) They cannot be distorted easily.

• C.) Visuals, like graphs, often do a better job persuading people.

• D.) It is more difficult to argue with numbers.

• E.) Both A and D.

When looking at the graph that presents data on truck reliability, which statement is true?

• A.) Chevy trucks are far more dependable than Ford Trucks.

• B.) Chevy trucks are twice as dependable as Toyota Trucks.

• C.) The scale only shoes 95-100%

• D.) The category “other” trucks is about 25% as dependable as Toyota trucks

What is the best way to protect yourself against misleading graphs?

• A.) Look at the visual representation only.

• B.) Never trust graphed data again.

• C.) Read the labels, the scale, the numbers, and the context.

• D.) Look only at the curves and the trend of the data.

Tags

CCSS.6.SP.B.5

Why might a person trying to persuade you toward their point of view use a graph to present information?

• A.) They can exclude certain data so the graph supports their view.

• B.) They can manipulate the scale to make the differences in data appear to be larger.

• C.) They can change the labels to support their view.

• D.) All of the above.

Which of the following is not an example of "cherry picking?"

• Zooming in on a small portion of the y-axis.

• Using an inconsistent scale.

• Connecting the data points with a line.

• Choosing a time range that only supports one view.

Which type of graph would best show the number of pages in each book on the bookshelf?

• Bar Graph

• Stem and Leaf Plot

• Circle Graph

• Line Graph

Which type of graph would you use to show the weights of several kinds of birds?

• Bar Graph

• Stem and Leaf Plot

• Circle Graph

• Line Graph

Which type of graph would best show the number of cans three students collected for a can drive, if each bag can hold 100 cans?

• Bar Graph

• Pictograph

• Circle Graph

• Line Graph