📊 Part 1: Identifying Misleading Data

WALT: Interpret and critically evaluate statistical data and data visualisations from various sources.

1. Look at this graph showing "Ice Cream Sales vs Temperature". The y-axis starts at 95 instead of 0. How might this mislead viewers?

It makes small differences look much larger

It shows the true relationship between variables

It makes the data more accurate

It has no effect on interpretation

2. A survey claims "90% of people prefer Brand X toothpaste!" What critical questions should you ask? (Select all that apply)

How many people were surveyed?

Who conducted the survey?

What other brands were compared?

Where and when was the survey conducted?

3. A bar graph shows "Student Achievement by School" but doesn't mention class sizes, socioeconomic factors, or special needs support. This is an example of:

Complete and fair data representation

Missing important context that affects interpretation

Accurate statistical analysis

Standard graphing practice

4. When interpreting data about Māori health outcomes, what ethical considerations are most important?

Treating data as taonga and respecting cultural context

Only focusing on numerical results

Comparing without considering historical factors

Using data for any purpose

📈 Part 2: Context and Interpretation

5. A scatter plot shows a strong positive correlation between hours of study and test scores. However, the study only included students who attended after-school tutoring. Explain how this context affects the interpretation:

6. A news headline reads: "Crime Rate Doubles in Auckland!" The graph shows an increase from 2 incidents to 4 incidents in a population of 50,000. Write a more accurate headline that includes proper context:

7. You see a box plot comparing house prices in Wellington vs Christchurch, but the data is from 2019 (before recent market changes). List three questions you would ask before using this data to make decisions:

🔍 Part 3: Critical Analysis Challenge

8. A company claims their new energy drink "increases student performance by 25%!" based on a study of 20 students who drank it before one maths test. Identify at least four problems with this claim:

9. Extension Activity: Design three critical questions you would ask when evaluating ANY statistical claim you see in media or advertising:

10. Reflection: Why is it important to think critically about statistical data in our daily lives? Give one real-world example: