$\text{A data set of current new job openings in the banking industry is best shown in a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.}$

• A. $\text{box plot}$
• B. $\text{bar chart}$
• C. $\text{scatter plot}$
• D. $\text{pie chart}$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of the data. The problem involves a data set of current new job openings in the banking industry, which is categorical or discrete numerical data representing counts or categories.
2. Step 2: Consider the purpose of each graphical option: a box plot is used to display the distribution of numerical data and identify outliers; a scatter plot shows relationships between two numerical variables; a pie chart displays proportions of categories as parts of a whole; a bar chart displays frequencies or counts of categories clearly.
3. Step 3: Since the data represents counts of job openings (a categorical or discrete numerical variable), the best way to visualize this is to compare the counts across categories or time periods.
4. Step 4: A bar chart is ideal for showing the number of new job openings because it clearly displays the frequency or count for each category or time period, making it easy to compare values.
5. Step 5: Therefore, the correct choice is a bar chart, as it effectively communicates the distribution of counts in the data set.