Question 1

Which of the following best explains why using a larger class width in a histogram can be misleading when displaying data such as presidential approval ratings?

Accepted Answer

It can hide important features of the data, such as bimodality, by making the distribution appear unimodal.

Question 2

Suppose you are creating a bar graph to compare the percentage of users who visit Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram several times a day. If you want to emphasize the differences between the platforms, which vertical axis starting value should you use?

Accepted Answer

Start the vertical axis at 0.

Question 3

A university wants to de-emphasize the increase in tuition over several years in its time-series plot. Which of the following is the most effective way to achieve this?

Accepted Answer

Start the vertical axis at 0.

Question 4

Why might a company choose to start the vertical axis of a bar graph at a nonzero value?

Accepted Answer

To de-emphasize the differences between categories.

Question 5

Given a histogram of exam scores with a class width of 10 points, the distribution appears unimodal. When the class width is reduced to 2 points, the distribution appears bimodal. What does this suggest about the underlying data?

Accepted Answer

The data contains two distinct groups of scores.

Question 6

If a bar graph comparing three social media platforms starts its vertical axis at 35%, what is the likely effect on the viewer’s perception?

Accepted Answer

The differences between the platforms will appear smaller than they are.

Question 7

Which of the following is a potential ethical issue when constructing graphical displays of data?

Accepted Answer

Selecting a class width or axis starting value that intentionally misleads the viewer.

Question 8

A time-series plot of tuition starts its vertical axis at $38,000 instead of $0. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

It will exaggerate the increase in tuition over time.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a bimodal distribution?

Accepted Answer

A distribution with two distinct peaks.

Question 10

Suppose you are analyzing the approval ratings of a politician over a year. Which graphical display would best help you identify if there were two distinct periods with different approval levels?

Accepted Answer

A histogram with a small class width.

Question 11

If you want to accurately estimate the percentage of Instagram users who visit the platform several times a day, which bar graph should you use?

Accepted Answer

A bar graph with a vertical axis starting at 0 and small increments.

Question 12

Which of the following is a consequence of starting the vertical axis of a bar graph at a nonzero value?

Accepted Answer

It can make large differences appear less significant.

Question 13

A misleading histogram is created by:

Accepted Answer

Using a class width that is too large, hiding important features of the data.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of starting the vertical axis at 0 in a time-series plot?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the overall size of the values.

Question 15

If a company wants to make its performance look better compared to competitors, which graphical technique might it use unethically?

Accepted Answer

Start the vertical axis at a value just below its own performance.

Misleading Graphical Displays of Data: How Graph Construction Affects Interpretation

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