Question

Describe how the graph below is deceptive. A bar graph titled Mike's Grade Point Average has first quarter and second quarter on the x-axis, and G P A on the y-axis, from 3.1 to 3.2 in increments of 0.05. First quarter, 3.1; Second Quarter, 3.2. How would you change it so that it is not misleading? a. It appears that Mike’s grade point average for the second quarter is 3 times his first quarter average. Change the intervals on the vertical scale so they are consistent. b. It appears that Mike’s grade point average for the second quarter was significantly larger than his first quarter average. Change the width of the bars to display the correct scale. c. It appears that Mike’s grade point average for the second quarter is 2 times his first quarter average. Change the intervals on the horizontal scale so they are consistent. d. There is no way to change the graph so it is not misleading. Please select the best answer from the choices provided A B C D

Answer 1

The correct answer is (b) It appears that Mike’s grade point average for the second quarter was significantly larger than his first quarter average. Change the width of the bars to display the correct scale.

The graph is deceptive because the width of the bars is not proportional to the scale of the y-axis. The difference between the two bars appears to be much larger than it actually is, making it seem like there was a significant increase in Mike's GPA from the first quarter to the second quarter. To make the graph less misleading, the width of the bars should be adjusted to accurately represent the scale of the y-axis.

Changing the intervals on the vertical or horizontal scale (options a and c) would not address the issue with the width of the bars. Option d is incorrect because there is always a way to change a graph so that it is not misleading.