EXAMPLE 29 Using two dimensions for a one-dimensional difference and unclear labeling
Figure 59 compares the leaders in career playoff points scored in the NBA playoffs, as of June 2014. Explain how this graph may be misleading.
Figure 2.59: FIGURE 59 This graph uses two dimensions (height and width) to overemphasize a onedimensional (points) difference.
Solution
The height of the balls is supposed to represent the total points, but this is not clearly labeled. Points should be indicated using a vertical axis, but the vertical axis is not labeled at all. Further, note that the ball for Kobe Bryant is larger both in height and in width. This is misleading because it overemphasizes the difference in points scored between Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. In a bar graph, the bars for all four players should have the same width.