Misleading Graphs

QNT273

Misleading Graphs

 Misleading graphs are graphs that can intentionally or unintentionally misrepresent factual data obtained from a statistician's research. Some of the characteristics of a misleading graph include a truncated axis, a change in units on an axis, inappropriate use of two dimensional shapes in a graph and an omission of important information usually indicated in labels, legends or numeric values. Featured below is a graph created to display the Average FCAT - Math Scores of various student in 2003. 

 There are several characteristics of this misleading graph that can cause confusion for its viewers and a misinterpretation of what is summarized and visually displayed. The first area of miscommunication noted is the truncated scale on the...