Question 1

Which of the following best describes a dotplot?

Accepted Answer

A graph of quantitative data in which each data value is plotted as a point above a horizontal scale of values, with dots representing equal values stacked.

Question 2

What is a key feature of a stemplot (stem-and-leaf plot)?

Accepted Answer

It shows the shape of the distribution and retains the original data values.

Question 3

A time-series graph is most useful for which of the following purposes?

Accepted Answer

Revealing information about trends over time.

Question 4

Which type of graph is most appropriate for displaying the relative distribution of categorical data to make it easier to compare different categories?

Accepted Answer

Bar graph

Question 5

What distinguishes a Pareto chart from a standard bar graph?

Accepted Answer

The bars are arranged in descending order according to frequencies, drawing attention to the more important categories.

Question 6

Which of the following is a potential problem with using pictographs to represent data?

Accepted Answer

They can distort differences by using two- or three-dimensional objects to represent one-dimensional data.

Question 7

If you double each side of a square used in a pictograph, by what factor does its area increase?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a frequency polygon?

Accepted Answer

A graph using line segments connected to points located directly above class midpoint values.

Question 9

Why is it important to check if a graph’s vertical axis starts at a value greater than zero?

Accepted Answer

It can exaggerate differences between groups and be misleading.

Question 10

According to Edward Tufte’s principles, when should you use a table instead of a graph?

Accepted Answer

When the data set contains 20 values or fewer.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a recommended principle for constructing graphs, according to Edward Tufte?

Accepted Answer

Use as much ink as possible for decorative elements.

Question 12

A researcher wants to compare the percentage of people experiencing nausea from two different medications. Which type of graph could be misleading if the vertical axis does not start at zero?

Accepted Answer

Bar graph

Question 13

Which graph would be most appropriate to show the change in the number of law enforcement fatalities over several decades?

Accepted Answer

Time-series graph

Question 14

Which of the following is a feature of a dotplot that distinguishes it from a histogram?

Accepted Answer

It is usually possible to recreate the original list of data values from a dotplot.

Question 15

A pie chart is most useful for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Showing the distribution of categorical data in a commonly used format.

Question 16

Which of the following is true about relative frequency polygons?

Accepted Answer

They use proportions or percentages for the vertical scale instead of frequencies.

Question 17

Suppose you are given a data set of 15 values. According to Tufte’s principles, what is the best way to present this data?

Accepted Answer

Use a table.

Question 18

Which of the following is a common misconception about pictographs?

Accepted Answer

That doubling the length of a side of a pictorial object doubles its area.

Question 19

A frequency polygon is similar to a histogram, but differs in which way?

Accepted Answer

It uses line segments instead of bars.

Exploring Data with Tables and Graphs: Study Notes for Introductory Statistics

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards