How graphs can mislead

L. van Weelden, M.A.A. van Amelsvoort, M Bernhofer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The present study investigates the role of graph type (i.e., line or bar) in a context in which graphs are manipulated to mislead the viewer. Participants had to make a series of financial decisions based on two graphs that depicted the financial data of two companies. The two graphs were either presented accurately (i.e., one graph represented the more profitable option) or inaccurately (one of the two graphs? y-axis was distorted, which therefore seemed the more profitable option, but actually was unprofitable). Participants chose the incorrect (i.e., unprofitable) option more often in the inaccurate condition and were thus deceived. If they did manage to look past the distortion and chose the correct option, it took them more time to do so. Our results did not show any differences between the deceiving characteristics of bar and line graphs.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBuilding bridges: Improving our understanding of learning from text and graphics by making the connection
EditorsHuib Tabbers, Erica de Vries
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'How graphs can mislead'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this