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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.
Graphs that show a trend of data should illustrate the trend accurately in its context, rather than illustrating the trend in an exaggerated or sensationalized way. In short, don't draw misleading graphs. Choose a type of graph that is appropriate for the data you are illustrating. Cartesian coordinates
Apparel provides an example. People have a wide range of sizes and body shapes. It is obvious that apparel sizing must be multidimensional. Instead it is complex in unexpected ways. Some apparel is sold by size only (with no explicit consideration of body shape), sizes vary by country and manufacturer and some sizes are deliberately misleading ...
Fact-checkers from The Washington Post [1] (top, monthly), the Toronto Star [2] and CNN [3] [4] (bottom, weekly) compiled data on "false or misleading claims", and "false claims", respectively. The peaks corresponded in late 2018 to the midterm elections , in late 2019 to his impeachment inquiry , and in late 2020 to the presidential election.
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 ...
These are lists of people. See also Category:People. Also see the list of pages that are not yet included in this category.
A fact from Misleading graph appeared on Wikipedia's Main Page in the Did you know column on 19 July 2012 (check views). The text of the entry was as follows: Did you know... that there are many ways to create misleading graphs (example pictured)? A record of the entry may be seen at Wikipedia:Recent additions/2012/July.