When it comes to data, long lists can be difficult to understand.  Graphs and charts are excellent ways to understand and analyze the data in a MS Excel worksheet.  Formatting graphs and charts themselves can lead to a misinterpretation of the data being analyzed.

• First, read through the following article on Misleading graphs: real life examples.
• Choose one of the graphs shown in the link.  Discuss why it is misleading.
• Go beyond simply repeating the information found on the website.  Why is the graph misleading?  What makes it misleading?  How could you make the graph more accurate?  Does the source of the graph have any impact on the interpretation of the data?

In your responses to others, discuss why the graph they chose might have been used.  In other words, how does the misleading graph present its information, and what are the implications of that graph?