Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A stem-and-leaf plot is most useful when you want to:

Accepted Answer

Display the shape of the distribution and retain the original sorted data values.

Question 3

Which type of graph is best for showing trends in data collected over time, such as monthly sales figures?

Accepted Answer

Time-series graph

Question 4

A bar graph is most appropriate for which type of data?

Accepted Answer

Categorical (qualitative) data

Question 5

What distinguishes a Pareto chart from a standard bar graph?

Accepted Answer

Bars are arranged in descending order of frequency.

Question 6

Which of the following is a potential problem with using a nonzero vertical axis in a bar graph?

Accepted Answer

It can exaggerate differences between groups.

Question 7

A pie chart is most effective when:

Accepted Answer

You want to show the distribution of categorical data as parts of a whole.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a frequency polygon?

Accepted Answer

A graph using line segments connected to points above class midpoints.

Question 9

Why can pictographs be misleading when representing one-dimensional data?

Accepted Answer

Because increasing the size of the pictograph can exaggerate differences due to area or volume scaling.

Question 10

Suppose you are given the following data set: 5, 7, 7, 8, 10, 10, 10, 12. Which type of graph would best allow you to reconstruct the original data values?

Accepted Answer

Dotplot

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Use as much decorative ink as possible to make the graph visually appealing.

Question 12

A frequency polygon differs from a histogram in that:

Accepted Answer

It uses line segments connected to points above class midpoints instead of bars.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 14

Which of the following graphs would be most appropriate for comparing the number of students in different majors at a university?

Accepted Answer

Bar graph

Question 15

A relative frequency polygon differs from a frequency polygon in that:

Accepted Answer

It uses proportions or percentages for the vertical scale.

Question 16

Which of the following is a potential consequence of using a vertical axis that does not start at zero in a bar graph?

Accepted Answer

It can make small differences appear much larger than they actually are.

Question 17

A researcher wants to compare the distribution of cholesterol levels in two different groups of patients. Which graph would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Relative frequency polygon

Question 18

Which of the following statements about stemplots is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Stemplots retain the original data values and show the shape of the distribution.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Comparing the proportions of different types of fruit sold in a single month.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a table is recommended over a graph for small data sets (20 values or fewer)?

Accepted Answer

A table allows for precise reading of all data values without unnecessary graphical elements.

Exploring Data with Tables and Graphs: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards