In statistics, it is quite common for data to be misleading. It is very easy to reach a wrong conclusion by inputting incorrect information or alteration in data. Here we will see how one can recognize and rectify misleading graphs.
What is a Misleading graph?
Statistical graphs are considered to be a powerful tool to express a large amount of information in a precise manner. But in some cases, it might deceive the audience.
Misleading graphs are the graphs that depict incorrect conclusions by distorting the given statistical data. They are also called distorted graphs. Misleading graphs can be constructed either intentionally or unintentionally.
Misleading graphs are often used to either mislead or to pursue the audience. For example, a salesperson uses misleading graphs to attract more buyers by showing more sales.
So a graph can be misleading if the scaling is too big or too small. Or when some of the data are missing in the graph.
Misleading graph Examples
Let's take a look at how this graph looks by considering some examples.
Here the same data is considered to construct both graphs. But because of different Y-axis scaling selection, the output of both the graphs is different. This graph is considered a misleading graph, as we cannot interpret proper information from it.
Misleading graph for same data, datapine.com
In this graph, the scaling range taken is very large as compared to the data. So we cannot accurately get information just by observing the graph.
Misleading graph with bad scaling, venngage.com
Ways to Construct Misleading Graph
Here are some of the ways to make a graph misleading.
Graphs can be made misleading with the help of axis and scaling. If there is improper or no scaling, or there is some manipulation in axes, then it can create misleading graphs.
3D graphs give the best visual representation, but they can be misleading at times. It creates confusion and is difficult to understand. So proper conclusions cannot be given and can lead to misleading graphs.
Another way to mislead a graph is through the use of information. If some needed information is omitted or unnecessary data are taken into consideration, then that graph can be misleading.
The Interval size of both the axes should be equally distributed and properly considered based on the respected data.
Pictographs are fun to create and are a nice way to represent some information. They can be misleading if they are not constructed in the proper manner with necessary information and scaling.
Identifying Misleading graphs
There are a few important things to keep in mind when looking through graphs and to recognize misleading graphs.
Title of the graph and labels of the axes and chart should be properly mentioned.
Scaling should start from zero and it should be equally distributed without breakdown.
For pictographs, proper key and symbol size is most important.
Steps to rectify misleading graph
Here are some of the steps using which we can rectify a misleading graph
- Change the scaling of the graph if it does not start from 0.
- If the intervals on both axes are not even, construct a new graph with even intervals.
- If more or less data is taken into consideration for the graph, rectify it by using the necessary given information
- If pictographs are misleading, change the key and shapes used in the graph.
Solved misleading graphs examples
Let us understand to identify and solve misleading graphs
Why is this line graph a misleading graph? And how should it be rectified?
Misleading line graph, slideplayer.com
Solution:
The Y-axis interval is not even. Due to this, the biggest jump looks in between 1 and 2. Although it should be between 3 and 4, which makes it misleading.
Also, there are no labels on both axes, which does not give any idea regarding data.
So to make it correct the label should be mentioned on the axes and the interval on the Y-axis should be distributed evenly.
The following graphs represent the change in house prices in a city within 2 years. Identity the misleading graph and accurate graph. And give the conclusion from the graph.
Misleading graphs with same data, quizlet.com
Solution: By comparing graph 1 and graph 2, we see that there is a huge difference in price change in both graphs. We cannot see which information is accurate just from the data.
So let's first identify the misleading graph. Graph 1 does not have a baseline. That means this graph does not start with 0, but with another high interval. But graph 2 does have a baseline. So graph 1 is a misleading graph and graph 2 is the accurate graph for the provided data.
Using graph 2, we can conclude that the price changes from the year 1998 to 1999 are not that high.
Below is the information about the employment rate from the year 2010 to 2021.
| Year | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
| Rate Percent | 7 | 7.5 | 9 | 13.5 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 21 | 19.5 | 14 | 11.5 | 8 |
A line graph has been constructed based on the provided data. Identify if the construction of the graph is correct or not? If not then identify the errors and construct an accurate graph for the given data. And make a conclusion based on the correct graph.
Graph A: missing information graph, universiteitleiden.nl
Solution: As per the given data, the employment rate is from the year 2010 to 2021. But graph A is drawn for the year 2012 to 2016. Hence this graph is a misleading graph, as not all the data is used to construct it.
We shall make a new graph using all the given information.
Graph B: Correct graph for given data, universiteitleiden.nl
From graph B we can say that there was an increase in the employment rate from the year 2010 to 2016, But after the year 2016, there is a constant drop in the employment rate. We can conclude that graph A was created to mislead people, as it shows only the increment rate in employment.
Misleading Graphs - Key takeaways
- Misleading graphs are the graphs that depict incorrect conclusions by distorting the given statistical data.
- Misleading graphs are often used to either mislead or to pursue the audience.
- Some of the ways to mislead a graph are - Scale and Axis alteration, 3D Graphs, Data Usage, Size, Misleading Pictographs.
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