Graphs can send a very powerful message to people. The use of images makes a much more vivid impact that straight numbers. Graphs also have the capability to strengthen implications about data based on the type of graph, colors used, and other tools. Just because you see a graph does not mean you should believe it. Examine carefully where the data came from, and what it is telling you.
It is possible to make exactly the same data appear to have completely
different meanings. Examine the figures below for an example:
If you look carefully, you will note that the graphs are both showing exactly the same thing, but by careful manipulation of the graph sizes, axis scales, and titles, the two charts appear to have exactly OPPOSITE meanings.