Misleading Graphs
Explore how graphs can be manipulated to misrepresent data and learn to identify misleading visual representations.
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Misleading Graphs - Grade 8
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Read each question carefully and analyze the provided graphs. Identify any misleading aspects and answer the questions accordingly.
1. Which of the following is NOT a common way a graph can be misleading?
Manipulating the y-axis scale
Using a clear and consistent legend
Omitting data points
Using inappropriate graph types
2. A bar graph shows sales increasing from $100 to $110. If the y-axis starts at $95 instead of $0, what effect does this have?
It makes the increase seem larger.
It makes the increase seem smaller.
It has no effect on perception.
It is only misleading if the x-axis is also manipulated.
1. A graph with a broken y-axis always indicates an attempt to mislead.
True
False
2. Using 3D effects on a bar graph can sometimes make it harder to accurately compare bar heights.
True
False
1. When the intervals on a graph's axis are not consistent, it can create a graph.
2. A common way to exaggerate differences in a bar graph is to start the y-axis at a value other than .
A company publishes the following bar graph to show an 'amazing' increase in profits from Year 1 to Year 2.
1. What makes this graph potentially misleading?
2. How would you redraw this graph to represent the profit increase more accurately?
Imagine you are a reporter. You want to show that the price of a popular toy has increased significantly over the last month. The price went from $20 to $22. Draw a simple bar graph below that makes this increase appear very dramatic.