Data Science Data Visualization and Communication Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the main risk of using a dual-axis chart with two different y-axis scales?

Answer: It can mislead viewers into seeing correlations that do not exist

Dual-axis charts can imply false relationships because the two scales can be independently manipulated to suggest correlation.

Which color palette type is most appropriate for representing ordered quantitative data from low to high?

Answer: Sequential palette

Sequential palettes use a gradient from light to dark to represent ordered values from low to high.

When building a dashboard for stakeholders, what is the recommended practice for the number of key metrics displayed?

Answer: Limit to 5-7 key metrics to avoid cognitive overload

Cognitive research suggests that 5-7 items is the effective range for quick comprehension, making dashboards more actionable.

What is a small multiples visualization technique?

Answer: Displaying the same chart type repeated for different subsets of data using a shared scale

Small multiples repeat the same chart design across subsets of data with consistent scales, enabling easy comparison across groups.

Which metric is most useful for evaluating the accessibility of a data visualization for colorblind users?

Answer: Whether the visualization remains interpretable under simulated color vision deficiency

Simulating color vision deficiencies reveals whether the visualization conveys information through means other than color alone.

What is the purpose of adding annotations to a time series chart in a data science report?

Answer: To highlight specific events or anomalies that explain changes in the data

Annotations point out significant events or context that help the audience understand why the data changed at specific points.