Interpreting graphs

Whenever you look at graphs drawn by other people, make sure you understand the axes before you look at the relationship. It is all too easy to take in the shape of a graph without first considering the scale of the axes, a fact that some advertisers and politicians exploit when curves are used to misrepresent information. Such graphs are often used in newspapers and on television. Examine them critically - many would not pass the stringent requirements of scientific communication and conclusions drawn from them may be flawed.