When presented with statistics, the numbers can seem objective and trustworthy. However, statistics can easily be manipulated to support certain viewpoints or create a specific perception. It is therefore essential to develop the ability to spot manipulated statistics. This guide will help you identify common methods of statistical manipulation, teach you to ask critical questions about the data you encounter, and provide you with tools to analyze statistics with a skeptical approach. By being aware of these techniques, you can improve your ability to assess the accuracy and relevance of statistical claims.

Guide to Identifying Manipulated Charts

The axes are broken or have a large maximum value

The axis is segmented

In the correct example, the spacing between the dates has been taken into account.

In the incorrect example, two months are given the same spacing as the periods where measurements were taken more frequently.

This causes the numbers to appear more "diluted" in the incorrect example.

Comparison of Two Unrelated Items

Basis for Comparison Can Be Different

The following shows the number of bicycle thefts distributed by municipalities.

Diagram of COVID-19 Data Distributed Across Different Intervals - Histogram vs. Bar Chart

Wrong

Right