Question 1

Stacked dot plots are useful in understanding the association between two paired quantitative variables (X,Y).

Accepted Answer

Stacked dot plots are useful for displaying the distribution of a single quantitative variable or comparing the distributions of multiple groups on the same variable, but they do not effectively show the association between two paired quantitative variables. Scatter plots are more appropriate for examining relationships between paired quantitative variables (X, Y).

Question 2

Pie charts are attractive to statisticians,but are rarely used in business or general media.

Accepted Answer

Pie charts are commonly used in business and general media as they provide a visual representation of data in a simple and easy-to-understand format. However, they should be used judiciously and only when appropriate for the type of data being presented.

Question 3

Sturges' Rule is merely a suggestion,not an ironclad requirement.

Accepted Answer

Sturges' Rule is a general guideline for selecting the number of intervals when creating a histogram, but it is not a strict rule and can be adjusted depending on the data and the specific context.

Question 4

Excel's pyramid chart is generally preferred to a plain 2D column chart.

Accepted Answer

Pyramid charts are specialized tools mainly used for showing hierarchical structures or proportions in a visually appealing way, whereas 2D column charts are versatile and preferred for a wide range of data comparison tasks due to their clarity and straightforward interpretation.

Question 5

Log scales are common because most people are familiar with them.

Accepted Answer

Log scales are used not because most people are familiar with them, but because they can handle a wide range of values and make it easier to visualize data that spans several orders of magnitude.

Question 6

Sturges' Rule should override judgment about the "right" number of histogram bins.

Accepted Answer

Sturges' Rule is a guideline for choosing the number of bins in a histogram, but it may not always provide the best representation of data. Judgment and context should guide the final decision to ensure the histogram accurately reflects the underlying distribution.

Question 7

Excel's pyramid charts make it easier to read the data values.

Accepted Answer

Pyramid charts in Excel are more about visualizing the structure or hierarchy of data rather than making individual data values easier to read. They are better for showing proportions or relationships within a hierarchy, not for detailed data comparison.

Question 8

Compared to a dot plot,we lose some detail when we present data in a frequency distribution.

Accepted Answer

A dot plot allows us to see and count individual data points, while a frequency distribution groups data into bins and only shows the count or percentage of data points falling into each bin. Therefore, in a frequency distribution, we do not see the individual values of each data point, which leads to a loss of detail.

Question 9

Excel's 3D pie charts are usually clearer than 2D pie charts.

Accepted Answer

3D pie charts can distort the proportions of the slices and make it more difficult to accurately read the values represented. Therefore, 2D pie charts are usually clearer and more accurate.

Question 10

The column chart should be avoided if you are plotting time series data.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The column chart should be avoided if...

Question 11

Pie charts are useful in displaying frequencies that sum to a total.

Accepted Answer

Pie charts are especially effective for displaying proportional data, where the whole is made up of parts that represent fractions or percentages of the whole. The parts are shown as pie slices or wedges drawn around a circle, with the size of each slice representing the contribution of that part to the total sum.

Question 12

A column chart can sometimes be used instead of a line chart for time series data.

Accepted Answer

While line charts are usually the more appropriate choice for time series data, a column chart may be used in certain situations, such as when you want to emphasize the magnitude of individual data points rather than the trend over time. However, it is important to note that this is less common and may not be as clear as a line chart for a time series.

Question 13

It is easier to read the data values on a 3D column chart than on a 2D column chart.

Accepted Answer

This statement is subjective and can vary based on personal preference. Some people may find it easier to read the data values on a 3D column chart, while others may find it more difficult due to the added depth perception and distortion of proportions caused by the third dimension. Ultimately, it is up to the individual viewer to determine which type of chart is easier to read based on their own perception and interpretation of the data.

Question 14

The line chart is appropriate for categorical (qualitative)data.

Accepted Answer

The line chart is appropriate for continuous (quantitative) data, not categorical data. Categorical data is more commonly represented through bar charts or pie charts.

Question 15

The Pareto chart is used to display the "vital few" causes of problems.

Accepted Answer

The Pareto chart is a tool for quality control that allows businesses to identify and prioritize the most important causes of problems, also known as the "vital few." The chart shows the frequency or impact of each cause in descending order, helping managers to focus their efforts and resources on the most significant issues.

Question 16

Scatter plots are used to visualize association in samples of paired data (X,Y).

Accepted Answer

Scatter plots are indeed used to visualize the association or relationship between two variables in paired data.

Question 17

A pie chart can generally be used instead of a bar chart.

Accepted Answer

While a pie chart can be used to show proportions of a whole, it may not be the best choice if there are too many categories or if precise comparisons between values are needed. In such cases, a bar chart may be more appropriate.

Question 18

Dot plots are similar to histograms with many bins (classes).

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dot plots are similar to histograms with...

Question 19

Dot plots may not reveal the shape of a distribution when the sample is small.

Accepted Answer

Dot plots are a useful tool for displaying the distribution of a small sample, but they may not provide a clear picture of the shape of the distribution. With a small sample size, the dot plot may appear more scattered and less representative of the true distribution. It is important to consider other graphical tools and statistical measures in addition to the dot plot when analyzing the distribution of a small sample.

Question 20

A common error with pie charts is using too few "slices."

Accepted Answer

A common error with pie charts is using too many "slices," which can make the chart hard to read and interpret, not too few.

Quiz 3: Describing Data Visually