Question 1

The y-axis of a bar graph indicates discrete levels of a nominal variable.

Accepted Answer

The y-axis of a bar graph typically represents the scale of measurement for the variable being measured (such as frequency, percentages, or mean values), which is usually a quantitative measure, not the discrete levels of a nominal variable. The x-axis, on the other hand, often displays the discrete categories of a nominal variable.

Question 2

A pie chart is a type of multivariable graph that allows you to plot numerous variables simultaneously.

Accepted Answer

A pie chart is a type of graph that is used to display data as a circle divided into sectors. It is generally used to represent a single variable, such as proportions or percentages, rather than multiple variables simultaneously.

Question 3

A bar graph is almost always better at presenting data than a pie chart.

Accepted Answer

A bar graph allows for a clearer comparison of data points and is easier to read and interpret, while a pie chart can be more difficult to read and make accurate comparisons between multiple data points.

Question 4

The lie of interpolation assumes that values beyond the data points will continue indefinitely, while the lie of extrapolation assumes that some value between the data points lies on a straight line between those data points.

Accepted Answer

The lie of interpolation assumes that some value between the data points lies on a straight line between those data points, while the lie of extrapolation assumes that values beyond the data points will continue indefinitely.

Question 5

It is always best to use the program defaults when creating graphs using computer software programs.

Accepted Answer

While using program defaults can be convenient, it does not always result in the most visually appealing or clear graph. It is important to adjust settings such as axis labels, font size, and color in order to make the graph effective and easy to understand for the intended audience.

Question 6

A duck is a type of chartjunk that takes the form of a background pattern.

Accepted Answer

A duck is not a type of chartjunk. It is a term used in design to describe an element that is unnecessary or irrelevant. A background pattern can be considered as chart decoration, but it does not necessarily qualify as chartjunk.

Question 7

A graph showing new job growth by month from September 2013 to December 2013 shows a steady increase.A popular news magazine makes the claim that the job outlook is great for the New Year and beyond.This is an example of a(n) _____ lie.

Accepted Answer

The magazine is using the trend of job growth from the past few months (September to December 2013) to predict future job outlook, which is an example of extrapolation.

Question 8

The y-axis on a graph should start with 0, or have cut marks to indicate that it does not go down to 0.

Accepted Answer

Starting the y-axis at 0 is important in order to accurately represent and compare values on the graph. If the y-axis does not start at 0, it can distort the visual representation of the data. However, if the y-axis truly cannot start at 0 (e.g. when dealing with very small values), cut marks can be used to indicate that it does not go down to 0.

Question 9

A pictorial graph that shows fire danger levels in Phoenix, Arizona, across the weeks of the summer might portray the risk each week as a flame, with larger flames corresponding to greater risk.However, the size of the flames varies in both height and width, resulting in an exaggerated impression of fire danger levels as the risk increases.This type of pictorial graph misleads readers through the _____ lie.

Accepted Answer

The "inaccurate values" lie occurs when the visual representation of data exaggerates or misrepresents the actual values, such as using varying flame sizes that distort the perception of fire danger levels.

Question 10

An inaccurate values lie tells the truth in one part of the data but visually distorts it in another place.

Accepted Answer

An inaccurate value may appear to be true in one part of the data, but it can still skew the visual representation of the data as a whole. For example, if there is one outlier that is significantly higher or lower than the rest of the data, it may be true for that particular value, but it can make the rest of the data appear less significant or even insignificant.

Question 11

A pie chart is almost always better at presenting data than a bar graph.

Accepted Answer

This statement is not universally true. The choice between a pie chart and a bar graph depends on the data being presented and the purpose of the visualization. For example, a pie chart can be useful for showing proportions or percentages, while a bar graph may be better for comparing quantities or changes over time. It is important to carefully consider the type of data and the message being conveyed before selecting a visualization tool.

Question 12

The Pareto chart is a type of bar graph.

Accepted Answer

The Pareto chart is a type of bar graph that displays the relative frequency or size of problems in descending order of importance.

Question 13

If two variables are not related linearly, than they must be related nonlinearly.

Accepted Answer

Two variables might not be related at all, meaning there is no identifiable relationship, linear or nonlinear, between them.

Question 14

The purpose of a graph is to reveal and clarify relations between variables.

Accepted Answer

Graphs visually display data, allowing trends and relationships between variables to be easily observed and analyzed.

Question 15

When creating a bar graph, the pattern that fills in each bar is a type of moiré vibration.

Accepted Answer

A moiré vibration is a pattern that is created when two or more patterns are superimposed on each other. In a bar graph, the pattern that fills in each bar is a type of moiré vibration because it is created by the superposition of the vertical lines of the graph and the horizontal lines of the bars.

Question 16

Geographic information systems is an innovation in graphing that has abundant application in geography but not in other social sciences.

Accepted Answer

Geographic information systems (GIS) has abundant applications in geography, but it is also increasingly used in other social sciences such as sociology, economics, and political science. GIS can be used to analyze and visualize data related to demographics, land use, transportation, and other relevant social factors.

Question 17

The lie of extrapolation assumes that values beyond the data points will continue indefinitely, while the lie of interpolation assumes that some value between the data points lies on a straight line between those data points.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the lies of extrapolation and interpolation.

Question 18

The x-axis of a bar graph indicates discrete levels of a nominal variable.

Accepted Answer

The x-axis of a bar graph is usually used to represent a categorical or nominal variable, with each bar representing a discrete level or category.

Question 19

Multivariable graphs allow for the simultaneous depiction of several variables at once.

Accepted Answer

Multivariable graphs can show multiple variables at once, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of relationships between them. Examples include scatterplots with multiple data series or bubble charts with three or more dimensions.

Question 20

A scatterplot with a line of best fit is known as a time line plot.

Accepted Answer

A scatterplot with a line of best fit is known as a regression line plot, not a time line plot.

Quiz 3: Visual Displays of Data