Misleading Graphs Statistics Example 4
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 4
hardA politician presents a pie chart showing their party received 45% of votes, but the 3D perspective makes their slice appear to take up more than half the chart. Identify all the misleading techniques and explain how to fix the chart.
Solution
- 1 Step 1: 3D perspective distorts the relative sizes of pie slices — slices toward the front of the chart appear larger than they actually are, while those toward the back appear smaller.
- 2 Step 2: The fix: (a) Use a 2D pie chart so all slices are proportionally accurate. (b) Label each slice with its exact percentage. (c) Consider using a bar graph instead, which avoids the inherent comparison difficulties of pie charts.
Answer
The 3D perspective distorts slice sizes, making the front slice appear larger than 45%. Fix by using a 2D chart, labelling percentages clearly, or switching to a bar graph.
3D pie charts are widely criticised by statisticians because perspective effects systematically distort the perceived sizes of slices. Front slices appear larger while back slices appear smaller. For accurate data communication, 2D charts with clear labels are always preferred.
About Misleading Graphs
Misleading graphs are data visualizations that distort the truth through techniques like truncated axes, inconsistent scales, cherry-picked time ranges, or manipulated aspect ratios to create false impressions and lead viewers to wrong conclusions.
Learn more about Misleading Graphs →More Misleading Graphs Examples
Example 1 easy
A bar graph shows Company A's sales at 100 and Company B's sales at 110, but the y-axis starts at 95
Example 2 mediumA pictograph compares two companies' profits. Company X uses a small money bag symbol and Company Y
Example 3 mediumA line graph shows monthly website visits over a year, but the x-axis is not evenly spaced — January