Interpreting Data

Question 1

What is the shape of a distribution?

Answer 1

The shape formed by the data points on a graph

Question 2

What is positive skew?

Answer 2

When most of the data values are at the lower end (closer to 0; left leaning)

Question 3

What is negative skew?

Answer 3

When most of the data values are at the upper end (closer to the highest number; right leaning)

Question 4

What is symmetrical skew?

Answer 4

No skew at all so there is a normal distribution

Question 5

What might make diagrams misleading? (5)

Answer 5

1. Scales that don’t start at 0
2. Scales that don’t increase uniformly distort the shape of the distribution
3. Lines that are too thick are hard to read
4. Axes without labels
5. Graphs and charts without keys