2. The purpose of all charts and graphs is to
represent data. From pie charts, to scatter
plots, to histograms, each graph (or
graphical data representation) is designed
to make reading a set of data easier.
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3. By their very nature, all graphs tell an “exact” story of
data, meaning graphs can only show what the data
behind them dictates. However, that statement is
incomplete, especially with regards to histograms.
Because histograms are flexible, they can also be
made to conceal or seem to tell a different story of
the underlying data.
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4. Thus, one of the histograms greatest strengths—
its flexibility—can also be one of its greatest
weaknesses. You’ll learn more about this in the
next learning activity.
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5. The key idea to remember is that the “story of
data” is only as good as the data you use and the
way you choose to present it.
Choosing the proper data representation tool is
crucial to telling the right story to your
stakeholders.
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6. CRITICAL THINKING: What are some other
graphical data representation tools, and what
situations might you use them in?
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