Skip to main content

How to Lie with Graphs

AdobeStock_40302700_Credit

A handy video from Ted Education gives some pointers on spotting misleading graphs. Pay close attention to their warnings about meddling with the y-axis. Believe it or not, this sort of thing happens frequently in the world of science publishing.

(If you’re interested in visual representation of data, I encourage you to look up the work of Edward Tufte. He’s written some amazing books, and is a fun and provocative thinker.)

One note about the Ted Ed video: its has clear political leanings–so clear, in fact, that I’ve hesitated in linking to it. I hope that you will watch it, because its suggestions are both both important and useful.  Rest assured: my goal is not to sway your political views, but to give you a helpful tool in analyzing scientific information.


Recent Blogs

As We Begin: Dispositions of Mind, Learning, and the Brain in Early Childhood by Tia Henteleff
Erik Jahner, PhD
Erik Jahner, PhD

There’s a line quoted in Tia Henteleff’s As We Begin...

Too Good to be True? The Effect of Tetris on PTSD Symptoms
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

Teachers and school leaders turn to research -- in part...

Will Chess Make Me Better at Baseball?
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

Imagine for a moment that I'm coaching college baseball. I've...