CRITIQUE WAYS IN

WHICH DATA IS
PRESENTED
Main Resource: Statistics Canada
Website

INFORMATION: USE IN SOCIETY

You have probably heard of the term the

information age. It describes how modern
society depends on information as a
resource. People rely on information to make
decisions and recommendations in many
fields, including politics, economics,
environment and entertainment.
Without reliable information, people can
make poor decisions that sometimes result in
serious consequences.

WHY WE NEED TO BE CRITICAL

Since the media plays an immense part in our daily life

and they are continually giving us information (data).
Data analysis is often used in advertising, forecasting,
and public policy. The media is full of representations
of data (i.e. Graphs or tables) to support statistical
claims.
We need to be critical to:
Know

what is relevant
Know what is important
Know what is true
Know what is biased
Identify misinformation
Etc.

WHAT IS A GRAPH?

A graph is a visual representation of a

relationship between, but not restricted to,
two variables.
Graphs are effective visual tools because
they present information quickly and easily.
It is not surprising then, that graphs are
commonly used by print and electronic
media.

DIFFERENT TYPE OF GRAPHS

Circle graphs
Line graphs
Bar graphs
Double bar graphs
Pictographs

CIRCLE GRAPHS (PIE CHARTS)

A circle graph displays data as a percentage

of the whole. Each pie section should have a
label and percentage. A total data number
should be included.

LINE GRAPHS

A line graph plots continuous data as points

and then joins them with a line. Multiple
data sets can be graphed together, but a key
must be used.

BAR GRAPHS AND DOUBLE BAR

GRAPHS

A bar graph displays discrete data in separate

columns. A double bar graph can be used to
compare two data sets. Categories are
considered unordered and can be rearranged
alphabetically, by size, etc.

PICTOGRAPHS

A pictograph uses an icon to represent a

quantity of data values in order to decrease
the size of the graph. A key must be used to
explain the icon.

MISINTERPRETATION OF
INFORMATION

Misinterpretation is a common problem when

using statistical information. It may be
caused by a number of factors.
Misunderstanding

the data
Using incomparable definitions
Deliberately misinterpreting the information

ACTIVITY

In groups of 2 or 3, come get a worksheet

and answer the questions.
You will need to prepare a short presentation
about your topic (based on your worksheet)
to present to the class.

CIRCLE GRAPHS (PIE CHARTS)

Advantages
Visually

appealing
Shows percent of total for each category

Disadvantages
No

exact numerical data

Hard to compare 2 data sets
"Other" category can be a problem
Total unknown unless specified
Best for 3 to 7 categories
Use only with discrete data

LINE GRAPHS

Advantages
Can

compare multiple continuous data sets easily

Interim data can be inferred from graph line

Disadvantages
Use

only with continuous data

BAR GRAPHS AND DOUBLE BAR

GRPAHS

Advantages
Visually

strong
Can easily compare two or three data sets

Disadvantages
Graph

categories can be reordered to emphasize

certain effects
Use only with discrete data

PICTOGRAPHS

Advantages
Easy

to read
Visually appealing
Handles large data sets easily using keyed icons

Disadvantages
Hard

to quantify partial icons

Icons must be of consistent size
Best for only 2-6 categories
Very simplistic

DELIBERATELY MISINTERPRETING
INFORMATION
Look at the effect of not starting
the y-axis of 0.
It is important to start graphs at
0.

DELIBERATELY MISINTERPRETING
INFORMATION

Look at this pictograph. It looks like there are more horses. It is

important that all the pictures are the same size.

DELIBERATELY MISINTERPRETING
INFORMATION

Why does Graph A look different than Graph B? Both the

graphs represent the same data.

DELIBERATELY MISINTERPRETING
INFORMATION

The graphs look different due to the

different vertical scales. Graph A appears
to show a more rapid decrease in sales
than graph B.