6 Charts and Data Visualization Free Online FlashCards

Which chart is useful for comparing values across categories?

Use a bar or column chart to compare values across categories.

When is a pie chart appropriate for showing parts of a whole?

Use a pie chart only when there are few categories and the values form one meaningful whole.

Which chart types can show the spread of numerical values?

Use a histogram or box-and-whisker chart to show the spread of numerical values.

What does each point in a scatter plot represent?

A scatter plot shows the relationship between two numerical variables; each point represents a pair of values.

How should spreadsheet data be arranged before charting?

Before charting, arrange clear column headings, one observation or category per row, and values in the correct format.

How can a chart distinguish categories without relying on color alone?

Do not rely on color alone; direct labels or different symbols can also distinguish categories.

Why should a bar or column chart’s baseline and scale be checked?

Bar and column charts used for comparisons generally need a zero baseline. If an axis is truncated, make that clear because it can exaggerate differences.

Does a positive pattern in a scatter plot prove causation?

A scatter plot may show that two variables tend to increase together, but that pattern alone does not prove that one causes the other.

What should you verify before trusting a chart’s message?

Check that plotted data matches the source table and that category order, missing values, and filtered values do not alter the story.

When can a horizontal bar chart be especially useful?

A horizontal bar chart can make long category names easier to read.

How should a line chart represent change over time?

Use a line chart to show change over ordered time, with time arranged chronologically.

What is a clustered chart useful for, and what is one limitation?

Clustered bar or column charts compare a few series across categories; too many series can make the chart crowded.