Question 1

Which of the following is a common way that pictographs can mislead viewers when representing data?

Accepted Answer

By using artwork that distracts from the actual data values.

Question 2

Refer to the image comparing the value of a dollar in 1981 and 2021. What is the main perceptual distortion present in this graphic?

Accepted Answer

The area of the dollar bills exaggerates the difference in value, even though the lengths are proportional.

Question 3

A graph uses a vertical axis where each increment represents a tenfold increase in value. What type of scale is this?

Accepted Answer

An exponential (logarithmic) scale

Question 4

Why might a graph showing percentage change in college tuition (rather than actual tuition amounts) be misleading to someone who does not read carefully?

Accepted Answer

It may appear that tuition costs are falling when they are actually still rising, just at a slower rate.

Question 5

Suppose a bar graph uses bars of different widths to represent categories. What is a potential problem with this design?

Accepted Answer

Wider bars may draw more attention and distort the viewer's perception of the data.

Question 6

In the 'Obamacare Enrollment' graphic, the bar for 7,066,000 is much taller than the bar for 6,000,000, even though the values are close. What is the most likely reason for this distortion?

Accepted Answer

The vertical axis does not start at zero, exaggerating the difference between the bars.

Question 7

A news graphic shows 'NO: 52%' and 'YES: 58%' for a poll, but the total exceeds 100%. What is the main issue with this graphic?

Accepted Answer

The percentages are incorrect or do not add up to 100%, indicating a data or labeling error.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a misleading aspect of the 'Gun deaths in Florida' graph?

Accepted Answer

The vertical axis does not start at zero, making changes appear more dramatic.

Question 9

If a graph uses artwork or images to represent quantities, what is a potential risk?

Accepted Answer

The artwork may distract from or exaggerate the actual data values.

Question 10

A graph shows the world population over time using 3D bars placed on a globe with stick figures on top. What is a possible issue with this presentation?

Accepted Answer

The 3D effect and artwork may distract from the actual data and make it harder to compare values accurately.

Question 11

Given a graph with a nonlinear (logarithmic) vertical axis, what is a common mistake viewers might make when interpreting the data?

Accepted Answer

Assuming equal vertical distances represent equal changes in value, when they actually represent multiplicative changes.

Question 12

A graph shows a sharp increase in a variable after 2012, but the vertical axis is logarithmic. What does this mean about the actual rate of increase?

Accepted Answer

The variable is increasing exponentially, not just linearly.

Question 13

Which equation would you use to calculate the percentage change in a value from $$V_{	ext{old}} to$$ $$V_{	ext{new}}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$ 	ext{Percentage Change} = \frac{V_{	ext{new}} - V_{	ext{old}}}{V_{	ext{old}}} 	imes 100\% $$

Question 14

A bar graph shows two bars: one for 43% and one for 57%, but the 43% bar is longer than the 57% bar. What is the most likely issue?

Accepted Answer

The lengths of the bars do not accurately represent the percentages.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key caution when interpreting graphs that show percentage change?

Accepted Answer

A decrease in percentage change does not necessarily mean the actual value is decreasing.

Question 16

If a graph's vertical axis increments are not equal, what type of scale is being used?

Accepted Answer

A nonlinear scale

Cautions About Graphics in Statistics: Identifying and Avoiding Misleading Graphs

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