4 Reading Charts and Data Displays Free Online FlashCards

What should you check before interpreting a data display?

Read the title, axis labels, legend, and notes first; they explain what the display covers and how to interpret it.

Why do units matter when interpreting a value?

Units define what a value measures. For example, 12 people, 12%, and 12 thousand dollars represent different quantities.

What do the axes often represent in a line graph?

In a line graph, the horizontal axis often shows time, while the vertical axis shows a measured quantity.

What information does a graph legend provide?

A legend identifies what different colors, symbols, or lines represent.

How should you determine the intervals on an axis?

Read the interval values from the axis labels. Visual spacing alone may not reveal the scale accurately.

How can an axis starting above zero affect a bar chart?

A vertical axis that starts above zero can make small differences between bars appear dramatic.

What can a very wide scale do to visible differences?

A very wide scale can make meaningful differences difficult to see.

When is a line graph generally useful, and when is a bar chart common?

Line graphs are generally suited to showing changes over time; bar charts commonly compare categories.

What is one advantage of a table over a line graph?

A table makes exact values easy to find, while a line graph can make change over time easy to see.

How did visitor numbers change from January through March?

Visitors increased by 30 from January to February, then decreased by 15 in March.

What does coverage mean when assessing a data display?

Check which dates, places, or groups are included and which are left out.

What should you check about measurement in a data display?

Check what was measured and whether the values are totals, averages, percentages, or estimates.