Data visualization is a powerful tool for telling stories with data. However, not all stories are true.
This talk will demonstrate, using real examples, of how to conceal, deceive, and outright lie with data through omissions, visual design, and other techniques. While I don't recommend these practices, knowing how they work and how to use them will provide new ways to think about your data visualization, make you a more sophisticated consumer of data, and help you realize when you're accidentally lying.
15. Graphs contain
Information.
• Data - facts or statements
• Information - relationships
• Knowledge - usefulness
• Wisdom - real meaning
How to Lie with Data: David Newbury (@workergnome) 15
16. Graphs are
for humans.
That big white triangle
does not exist.
How to Lie with Data: David Newbury (@workergnome) 16
18. How to Lie with Statistics (1954)
[A misleading graph] is vastly more effective,
however, because it contains no adjectives or
adverbs to spoil the illusion of objectivity, there's
nothing anyone can pin on you.
How to Lie with Data: David Newbury (@workergnome) 18
19. Graphs
appear true.
2000 children each year
suffer spinal injuries.
That's 0.0000003% of children.
How to Lie with Data: David Newbury (@workergnome) 19