1.5 The Power Of Data

1. Graphs can be misleading because

They may use varying scales

They may have suggestive captions

They may be based on small samples

All of the above

Graphs can be misleading because they may use varying scales, which can distort the visual representation of data and make comparisons difficult. They may also have suggestive captions that bias the interpretation of the information presented. Additionally, graphs may be based on small samples, which can lead to inaccurate conclusions or generalizations about the data. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to the potential for graphs to be misleading.

Explanation

Graphs can be misleading because they may use varying scales, which can distort the visual representation of data and make comparisons difficult. They may also have suggestive captions that bias the interpretation of the information presented. Additionally, graphs may be based on small samples, which can lead to inaccurate conclusions or generalizations about the data. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to the potential for graphs to be misleading.

2. Which of the following statements is not true? The media can influence a person's opinion by

Using graphs and changing the vertical scale

Using data taken over a short period of time

Altering the data to make a better point

Using data taken from a small sample size

The media can influence a person's opinion by using graphs and changing the vertical scale, using data taken over a short period of time, and using data taken from a small sample size. However, altering the data to make a better point is not a true statement because it is unethical and goes against journalistic integrity.

Explanation

The media can influence a person's opinion by using graphs and changing the vertical scale, using data taken over a short period of time, and using data taken from a small sample size. However, altering the data to make a better point is not a true statement because it is unethical and goes against journalistic integrity.

3. Which statement is most accurate about the following graph?

The temperature has increased dramatically in the last 100 years

The graph makes the temperature increase seem less than it really is

The temperature has increased slightly in the last 100 years

The graph gives very little information

The graph shows a gradual and slight increase in temperature over the last 100 years. There is no indication of a dramatic increase in temperature.

Explanation

The graph shows a gradual and slight increase in temperature over the last 100 years. There is no indication of a dramatic increase in temperature.

4. The following graph shows the number of points a hockey team had over four seasons. The graph is misleading because

It does not include years before 1999

It does not indicate the number of games

The vertical scale exaggerates the number of points in 2002

It only shows the points for one team

The graph is misleading because the vertical scale exaggerates the number of points in 2002. This means that the height of the bar representing the number of points in 2002 is not proportional to the actual number of points. This can lead to a misinterpretation of the data, making it seem like the team had more points in 2002 than they actually did.

Explanation

The graph is misleading because the vertical scale exaggerates the number of points in 2002. This means that the height of the bar representing the number of points in 2002 is not proportional to the actual number of points. This can lead to a misinterpretation of the data, making it seem like the team had more points in 2002 than they actually did.

5. Based on the following graph, which statement is not correct?

The tuition increased by $50 in 2002

The tuition has increased steadily since 1995

The tuition in 2002 was more than 5 times that of 1995

The greatest increase in tuition occurred in 2001

The statement "the tuition increased by $50 in 2002" is not correct because according to the graph, the tuition remained the same from 2001 to 2002, indicating no increase.

Explanation

The statement "the tuition increased by $50 in 2002" is not correct because according to the graph, the tuition remained the same from 2001 to 2002, indicating no increase.