Charts and graphs displaying data is all around us. In Chapter 2, different types of charts and graphs were discussed along with best practices for displaying data. For this week’s discussion question, search online to find a chart or graph that you feel meets the best practice criteria on p. 83 and explain why. Then, find another graph or chart that you feel does not meet the best practice criteria and explain why. Finally, discuss which type of chart you find easier to interpret and why.

When it comes to finding a chart or graph that meets the best practice criteria for displaying data, I stumbled upon a bar chart that I find particularly effective. The chart I found displays the sales performance of different products over a period of six months. The x-axis represents the products, and the y-axis represents the sales amount in dollars. Each bar in the chart corresponds to a specific product, and the height of the bar represents the sales amount for that product.

I believe this bar chart meets the best practice criteria mentioned on page 83 because it effectively presents a comparison between different products. The use of bars allows for easy visual comparison, and the y-axis accurately represents the sales amount, providing a clear understanding of the performance of each product. The chart also includes a clear title and axis labels, making it easy to interpret the data without any confusion.

On the other hand, I came across a line graph that I believe does not meet the best practice criteria. This line graph represents the stock market performance of a particular company over a year. The x-axis represents the months, and the y-axis represents the stock price in dollars. The graph consists of multiple lines, each representing a different aspect of the company's performance, such as revenue, expenses, and profit.

I find this line graph to be less effective because it suffers from cluttering and confusion. The multiple lines make it difficult to differentiate between different aspects of the company's performance, leading to visual overload. Additionally, the absence of clear labels and titles adds to the confusion, making it challenging to interpret the data accurately. This graph could benefit from simplification and clearer organization of information.

In terms of ease of interpretation, I find bar charts to be easier to understand. The simplicity of the bars and their clear representation of data make it easier to compare different categories or variables. The use of bars allows for a quick visual assessment of the relative values, making it easier to identify trends or patterns. Line graphs, on the other hand, can become complex when multiple lines are involved, requiring more effort and attention to interpret accurately.

Overall, the choice between chart types depends on the nature of the data and the specific insights you want to convey. However, for most cases, I find bar charts to be more straightforward and easier to interpret, especially when dealing with comparisons and categorical data.