Presenting Data on a Graph Essay

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Misleading Graph

Statistics are often represented in a graphical format to increase the ease and speed of comprehension. A graphical image, such as a graph, is able to convey a significant amount of data in an effective manner and is often much easier to read compared with a paragraph of text that presents the same data. The benefit of the visual representations is their ability to show patterns or trends in data, for example changes over time, or differences between different categories, allowing for comparison and contextual assimilation of the data. Graphs may frequently be used with an accurate presentation of data, but it is also possible for graphs to present data that is technically accurate in a manner that may still be misleading, especially if readers assume that good practices are being applied. A good example of this is the data that was presented a graph depicting the increase in the number of welfare claimants between 2009 and 2011. The graph was produced by the Senate Budget Committee Republican staff and reproduced by Daniel Halper in a blog on the Weekly Standard website (Halper, 2012). The graph is shown below in figure 1.

Figure 1; Graph showing number of welfare claimants in the U.S. 2009-2011

The graph is titled "Over 100 Million People in the U.S. Now receiving Some Form of Federal Welfare." The question is whether or not this is presenting a fair picture of the data. The title is accurate the graph does appear to who that there has been an increase from under 100 million to more than 100 million.

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The graph is also labeled with the way that the data has been calculated, counting only people who are receiving means tested welfare, specifying that it does not include social security or Medicare. For a graph to be meaningful it should be ladled accurately and it should also clearly define the data that it is presenting; if the data itself is not clearly defined than the contents have the potential to be misleading (Smith, 2014).

If data is inaccurate there is also the potential for representation. However, in this instance the source of the data is given as the U.S. Census survey of income and program participation, which is a credible source, unlikely to have provided accurate information.

Therefore, in terms of fairness, it appears that the information provided on the graph itself is likely to be accurate. However, this does not mean it is not misleading. The reason for using a graphical representation is to create a fast and easy understanding of the data, making it easier to read than the equivalent text. There are several assumptions associated with the way graphs are presented. Halper's blog article, which is using the graph prepared by the Senate Budget Committee Republican staff, is not complying with those expectations, and as such the representation of the data may be seen as potentially misleading, due to the way in which the readers may interpret it.

There are several ways in which graphs may be misleading. One of the….....

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