MATH 130 – Critical Thinking Activity #1

The purpose of a graph is to provide a visual representation of data; however, in certain instances, it may not portray an accurate situation. Read pp. 86-90 in the text (misleading graphs). Find a graph (on the internet, in a newspaper, in a magazine, etc.) that does not portray an accurate situation. In a Word or pdf document upload the graph (cite source) and an explanation of why it does not portray an accurate situation.

Example:

This chart from CNN represents the different political parties and the percentage of each  party that agreed with the court decision involving Terry Schiavo. Terry Schiavo was on life support  for months during this court case. This graph is misleading because it makes it look like three times as many Democrats agreed with the decision as Republicans or Independents. However, 62% of Democrats agree with the decision and 54% of Republicans and Independents agreed. The chart makes it appear as if there is a much larger difference. The y-axis starts at 50 and then increases by two. To make the chart accurate, the y-axis should start at zero.

Western Reserve Public Media.

https://www.mediamatters.org/cnn/cnncom-posted-misleading-graph-showing-poll-results-schiavo-case