Bar plot axes
When we look at a bar plot, we use the relative lengths of each bar to help interpret what is happening. If you don't include zero on the axis used for bar lengths, then the relative lengths of bars are distorted, and it is easy to be misled.
Here is a bar plot of another question from the Health Survey for England, this time about people with asthma. ("Not asthmatic" means no asthma symptoms were reported, and no medication was taken for asthma in the previous 12 months.)
Compare version of the plot with each y-axis, and determine which statement is true.
This exercise is part of the course
Understanding Data Visualization
Hands-on interactive exercise
Turn theory into action with one of our interactive exercises
