Consider the source, design, analysis, and display of data to evaluate statistics reported in the media. 0806.5.8

Links verified on 1/29/2010

1. Class Interval - how to make the same data appear to support two different positions
2. CNN posted misleading graph - poll results on Schiavo case - graph as presented and how it should have been shown
3. Histograms and Bar Graphs - lesson plan on how data can be graphically represented (and misrepresented)
4. Junk Charts - several examples of using graphs to mislead
5. Misleading Graphs - a short YouTube video using one example graph
6. Misleading Graphs - comparison of two graphs
7. Misleading Graphs - using only part of the data to misrepresent a point
8. Misleading Graphs - lesson plan
9. Misleading Graphs - lesson in the form of a slide show with examples and questions
10. Misleading Graphs - lesson plan from Shodor
11. Misleading Graphs - sheet to print and use in class [from Glencoe]
12. Misleading Graphs - showing the relationship between asphalt use in Finland and asthma rates
    1. Excel file - use this spreadsheet to support the lesson plan above
13. News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 8th grade students. These stories include math in the news and a quiz
14. The Treasury Department's Junk Chart - example and explanation
15. Vertical Scale Discussion - lesson plan from Shodor
16. Visual, as well as Statistical, Misunderstanding - examples of misleading presentation of data
    1. Context: Compared to What? - a graph must not show data out of context
    2. Goosed Up Graphics - making things appear to be `better' than they are by fiddling with the scales
    3. Have Something to Say - "Knowin' all the words in the dictionary ain't gonna help if you got nuttin' to say" - a quote from Blind Lemon Jefferson, the great blues musician
    4. The Lie Factor - the ratio of the size of an effect shown in the graphic is not proportional to the size of the effect in the data
    5. Missed Opportunities - some important information was there, but the graph maker missed it
17. Wikipedia article on the Laffer Curve - showing possible misuse of data in economics