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In statistics, a misleading graph, also known as a distorted graph, is a graph that misrepresents data, constituting a misuse of statistics and with the result that an incorrect conclusion may be derived from it. Graphs may be misleading by being excessively complex or poorly constructed.
Manipulation of the graph's X-axis can also mislead; see the graph to the right. Both graphs are technically accurate depictions of the data they depict, and do use 0 as the base value of the Y-axis; but the rightmost graph only shows the "trough"; so it would be misleading to claim it depicts typical data over that time period.
Another kind of chartjunk skews the depiction and makes it difficult to understand the real data being displayed. Examples of this type include items depicted out of scale to one another, noisy backgrounds making comparison between elements difficult in a chart or graph, and 3-D simulations in line and bar charts.
Statistics, when used in a misleading fashion, can trick the casual observer into believing something other than what the data shows. That is, a misuse of statistics occurs when a statistical argument asserts a falsehood. In some cases, the misuse may be accidental. In others, it is purposeful and for the gain of the perpetrator.
A bar graph shows comparisons among discrete categories. One axis of the chart shows the specific categories being compared, and the other axis represents a measured value. Some bar graphs present bars clustered in groups of more than one, showing the values of more than one measured variable. These clustered groups can be differentiated using ...
It also shows how statistical graphs can be used to distort reality. For example, by truncating the bottom of a line or bar chart so that differences seem larger than they are. Or, by representing one-dimensional quantities on a pictogram by two- or three-dimensional objects to compare their sizes so that the reader forgets that the images do ...
Wikipedia:Don't draw misleading charts has reverted to its old name Wikipedia:Don't draw misleading graphs. 70.24.251.158 05:16, 19 October 2011 (UTC) Comment I have informed the creator of this page, user:Alan Liefting about this request. 70.24.251.158 07:32, 17 October 2011 (UTC) Comment. Nominator needs to explain a sufficient reason for ...
In every case, except the Extracted graph, the misleading graph is to the left and the accurate, or original graph is to the right. Can I suggest that the "Extracted graph" is made to conform. Amandajm 06:00, 19 July 2012 (UTC) I agree, and I hope someone who knows how can alter the underlying image accordingly.—