Question

a misleading graph is a statistical graph that is not drawn appropriately. this type of graph can misrepresent data and lead to false conclusions.

(a) explain why the graph is misleading.
(b) redraw the graph so that it is not misleading.

(a) choose the correct answer below.

a. the quarters displayed out of order.
b. the area for the 3rd quarter sales is drawn artificially larger than the area for the other quarters.
c. there is a gap between the quarter values.
d. the large gap in the vertical axis makes it appear that the sales for the 3rd quarter are disproportionately larger than the other quarters.

Explanation:

Analyze the vertical axis of the graph

The vertical axis (Sales in \$1000) starts at 90 instead of 0.

Evaluate the visual impact of the truncated axis

Because the axis starts at 90, the differences between the heights of the bars are visually exaggerated, making the 3rd quarter sales appear disproportionately larger than the other quarters.

Match with the multiple-choice options

Option D correctly identifies that the large gap in the vertical axis (not starting at 0) makes the sales for the 3rd quarter appear disproportionately larger than the other quarters.

Answer:

• A. The quarters displayed out of order.
• B. The area for the 3rd quarter sales is drawn artificially larger than the area for the other quarters.
• C. There is a gap between the quarter values.
• D. The large gap in the vertical axis makes it appear that the sales for the 3rd quarter are disproportionately larger than the other quarters. (Correct answer)