How to spot a misleading graph - Lea Gaslowitz

Why are graphs commonly used to present claims? 

• Graphs represent data, which are facts, not opinions. It's difficult to argue with numbers.

• They cannot be distorted easily.

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

   

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Why do Toyota trucks look half as reliable as Chevys in the original graphic?

•  

  The information used was incorrect.

• The bar in the Toyota graphic has a height that is not correct with the information used.

• The Y-axis only goes from 95% to 100%, making the difference in heights between bars more visible.

If the graph is adjusted for actual population growth, we can see the viewership has not changed much at all.

• True

• False

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Can any large set of data be manipulated into a graph that tells an incomplete story?

• Yes

• No