Final answer:
To choose the correct graph type, consider what you aim to illustrate. Pie charts are ideal for displaying proportions in a group but can become overwhelming if there are too many slices. Bar graphs allow manipulation of the vertical axis to emphasize differences, but categories and scales should be chosen to present data honestly.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which type of graph to use for your data, consider the kind of information you want to present. Pie charts are effective for showing how an overall group is split into categorical proportions. However, when a pie chart has too many slices, it can be hard to read and understand. To avoid this, you should choose categories wisely so that each slice can be easily distinguished.
With bar graphs, you have the flexibility to choose how the categories are grouped and how the vertical axis is scaled, which can make the differences between bar heights more or less pronounced. These presentation choices should be made to best represent the data clearly and honestly. For instance, if there are many categories with small values, consider grouping similar categories for clarity. Conversely, when you want to highlight differences between categories, use a scale that allows for these variations to be visible.
In summary, when setting up a pie chart, bar graph, or any graphical representation, always consider how the categories and scale used might influence the reader's perception of the data. The goal is to present the information in the most informative and truthful way possible.