Data Visualisation

The Best Way to Protect Yourself from Misleading Graphs

By Rosie Hoyland

Posted on 17th January 2019

Image courtesy of TED-Ed

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I read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The Best Way to Protect Yourself from Misleading Graphs and is located at https://www.presentation-guru.com/the-best-way-to-protect-yourself-from-misleading-graphs/.

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A person trying to persuade you toward their point of view may well use a graph to present information. After all, “a graph isn’t an opinion – it represents cold hard numbers and who can argue with those?”

Well, guess what? There are plenty of ways that graphs can give a misleading impression. Yes, graphs do help us grasp complex data but equally data can be manipulated to help the speaker make their point. Even careless handling of the data can send a distorted message.

What is the best way to protect yourself against misleading graphs?

Read the labels, the scale, the numbers and the context-and ask what story the picture is trying to tell you.

This very short TED-Ed video explains it perfectly and is well worth 4 minutes of your time.

And here is some more useful advice for using charts and graphs well.

• Bio
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Rosie Hoyland

Commissioning Editor at Presentation Guru

Rosie was the Commissioning Editor at Presentation Guru. She is a writer and content creator and has worked for many years as a print and digital designer.

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