Question 1

Which type of graph is best suited for displaying the distribution and shape of a small set of quantitative data, while also allowing you to reconstruct the original data values?

Accepted Answer

Stemplot (stem-and-leaf plot)

Question 2

A researcher wants to compare the frequencies of different causes of fatal plane crashes, emphasizing the most common causes. Which graph should they use?

Accepted Answer

Pareto chart

Question 3

Which of the following is a key feature of a dotplot?

Accepted Answer

It shows the shape of the distribution and allows for the original data values to be recreated.

Question 4

A time-series graph is most appropriate for which of the following scenarios?

Accepted Answer

Displaying the monthly average temperature in a city over 10 years

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a deceptive graph that uses a nonzero vertical axis?

Accepted Answer

A graph that starts the vertical axis at a value greater than zero, exaggerating differences between groups.

Question 6

Why can pictographs be misleading when representing data?

Accepted Answer

They use two- or three-dimensional objects to represent one-dimensional data, exaggerating differences.

Question 7

Suppose a bar graph is used to compare the percentage of patients experiencing nausea from two drugs. If the vertical axis starts at 20% instead of 0%, what is the likely effect?

Accepted Answer

The difference between the drugs will appear exaggerated.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a stemplot?

Accepted Answer

It shows the distribution of categorical data.

Question 9

A pie chart is most appropriate for which type of data?

Accepted Answer

Categorical data showing proportions of a whole

Question 10

If the side of a square pictograph is doubled to represent an increase in value, by what factor does the area increase?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 11

Which graph would best help you identify a possible correlation between two quantitative variables, such as height and weight?

Accepted Answer

Scatterplot

Question 12

A bar graph is used to display the number of students in different majors at a university. What is a key feature of this graph?

Accepted Answer

It shows the relative distribution of categorical data for easy comparison.

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential problem when using a pie chart to display data?

Accepted Answer

It can be difficult to compare similar-sized slices accurately.

Question 14

A time-series graph shows the number of law enforcement fatalities each year from 1985 to 2012. What insight does this graph provide?

Accepted Answer

It reveals trends and patterns in fatalities over time.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a Pareto chart?

Accepted Answer

A bar graph with bars arranged in descending order of frequency.

Question 16

If a pictograph uses cubes to represent data and the side of each cube is doubled, by what factor does the volume increase?

Accepted Answer

$$8$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a common misuse of graphs that can lead to misinterpretation of data?

Accepted Answer

Using a nonzero vertical axis to exaggerate differences

Question 18

A dotplot is created for the pulse rates of males. What information can you obtain from this dotplot?

Accepted Answer

The shape of the distribution and the ability to recreate the original data values

Question 19

Which of the following graphs would be LEAST appropriate for displaying the distribution of a single quantitative variable?

Accepted Answer

Pie chart

Question 20

A researcher wants to highlight the most significant categories in a dataset of causes of fatal plane crashes. Which graph should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Pareto chart, because it arranges categories in descending order of frequency

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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