Visual display of data

Graphs DP 3.docx

Discussion

Different types of graphs, which graphs are most appropriate for specific data, and when graphs are misleading. For instance, a graph can misrepresent the data if it does not provide a proper representation of the data, which can be caused by the vertical scale being too small or too large, or by not starting at 0. Additionally, if a graph does not have the proper labels or if data is left out, this can also result in a graph that does not properly represent the data. 

1. What story does this visual display (graph) below tell? Describe the variables that are being compared. (Hint: There are three). Do you think that this is an accurate and fair description of the data? Is this graph clear or misleading? Why?

Source:  http://calculatedriskimages.blogspot.com/2010/09/bls-education-pays.html

2.  What story does the Pie Graph below tell? Describe what these data are representing. Do you think that this is an accurate and fair description of these data? Is this graph easy to understand? Name at least three things wrong with this graph and how you might correct them?

Source:  http://blog.jgc.org/2009/08/please-dont-use-pie-charts.html

3.  From this dataset, select any qualitative and discrete variable and create an appropriate graph that describes that variable. Be sure to fully label the graph. Attach graph separately.