The two graphs referring on the second page httpdpcdsbgainsw

The two graphs referring on the second page.

http://dpcdsb-gains.wikispaces.com/file/view/Worst+Graphs+Ever.pdf

Question break down:

Identify the two variables being graphed. What types of variables are they? What is the level of measurement for each of the variables?

What method would you use to collect data for this graph? Why would you use this particular method?

What type of graph is displayed? If you could use any type of graph other than the one shown, what type of graph would you use? Why?

After looking at this graph, would you want to attend Cornell University? Why? What message does this graph convey to you? How might this graph be misleading?

Describe at least three things that are wrong with the graph.

Find an example of a misleading graph online. Post a link to the graph, and briefly discuss the qualities of the graph that made it misleading.

Solution

Identify the two variables being graphed. : i) Share of the average income of the individual

                                                                  ii) Rank of the Cornell university

The type or the level of measurement for the data is:

i) Share of income : Interval level of measurement or interval level of data

ii) Rank : Ordinal level of measurement or ordinal level of data

The data is depicted in a line chart format. Other form in which graph could have been shown is the bar chart format which would facilitate the comparison of data over time.

After looking at the graphs solely, the viewer is potentially misled. The reasons and the flaws are nicely described in the paragraph itself.

(1) The ranking graph covers an 11 year period, the tuition graph 35 years, yet they are shown simultaneously (the same apparent width) on the same horizontal \"scale\".

(2) The vertical scale for tuition and ranking could not possibly have common units, but the ranking graph is placed under the tuition graph creating the impression that cost exceeds quality.

(3) The differing time units are cleverly disguised by printing them rotated 90 o.

(4) And here is the masterstroke: the sharp \"drop\" in the ranking graph over the past few years actually represents the fact that Cornell\'s rank has IMPROVED from 15th TO 6th .

The few examples of misleading graphs in media are given in here

http://www.statisticshowto.com/misleading-graphs/