Misleading graph

In statistics, a misleading graph, also known as a distorted graph, is a graph that misrepresents data, constituting a misuse of statistics and with the result that an incorrect conclusion may be derived from it.

Graphs may be misleading by being excessively complex or poorly constructed. Even when constructed to display the characteristics of their data accurately, graphs can be subject to different interpretations, or unintended kinds of data can seemingly and ultimately erroneously be derived.^[1]

Misleading graphs may be created intentionally to hinder the proper interpretation of data or accidentally due to unfamiliarity with graphing software, misinterpretation of data, or because data cannot be accurately conveyed. Misleading graphs are often used in false advertising. One of the first authors to write about misleading graphs was Darrell Huff, publisher of the 1954 book How to Lie with Statistics.

Data journalist John Burn-Murdoch has suggested that people are more likely to express scepticism towards data communicated within written text than data of similar quality presented as a graphic, arguing that this is partly the result of the teaching of critical thinking focusing on engaging with written works rather than diagrams, resulting in visual literacy being neglected. He has also highlighted the concentration of data scientists in employment by technology companies, which he believes can result in the hampering of the evaluation of their visualisations due to the proprietary and closed nature of much of the data they work with.^[2]

The field of data visualization describes ways to present information that avoids creating misleading graphs.