Accession Number : ADA258989

Title :   Graphic Representation in Managerial Decision Making: The Effect of Scale Break on the Dependent Axis

Descriptive Note : Master's thesis

Corporate Author : AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH

Personal Author(s) : Carvalho, Clark R. ; McMillan, Michael D.

PDF Url : ADA258989

Report Date : SEP 1992

Pagination or Media Count : 134

Abstract : This thesis investigated whether a scale break on the dependent axis a affects a decision maker's interpretation of the data presented in the graph. A literature search revealed criteria for constructing high integrity graphs and formatting scale breaks. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a scale break on the dependent axis. Graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs were presented to the control group, while graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs, with the exception of the scale break, were presented to the experimental group. Using a parametric two-sample t test and a non-parametric Rank Sum test, it was shown that data presented in a graph with a scale break was interpreted differently from data presented in a graph without a scale break. Analysis of variance was conducted on the demographic factors for each subject. In the experimental group, sex and professional experience were factors that led to different interpretations of graphs with a scale break. The level of experience using graphs in decision making was also a factor that led to different interpretations of graphs in both groups.... Decision making, Misleading, Graphics, Graph.

Descriptors :   *DECISION MAKING, *DATA MANAGEMENT, *STATISTICAL DATA, *DATA DISPLAYS, *GRAPHS, TEST AND EVALUATION, GRAPHICS, SCALE, STATISTICAL TESTS, ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE, CONTROL

Subject Categories : Administration and Management
      Statistics and Probability

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE