ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on use of data visualizations such as graphs to present information to consumers. It provides tips that adults and students can use when scrutinizing pictorial representations of data to determine their reliability and then use what they’ve learned to distort existing graphs. The chapter includes a set of questions for reflection and a list of suggested resources. Given that data visualizations can be used to inform or misinform, it is critical that media consumers have skills they can employ to critically review graphs and the like. They need to be familiar with tactics for analyzing these images to determine their accuracy. Media outlets are increasing their use of data visualizations when presenting information to consumers. The chapter provides some basic things that students need to be on the lookout for when vetting graphs, tables, and infographics. Graphs, a type of data visualization, are an effective way to present a lot of data in a compact, easy-to-understand format.
