Data Visualization Chart Types and Selection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which chart type is ideal for showing the flow of quantities between different stages or categories?
- Sankey diagram (Correct answer)
- Funnel chart
- Waterfall chart
- Stacked bar chart
Correct answer: Sankey diagram
Sankey diagrams use flow widths proportional to quantity to show how values move between stages.
Question 2: A box plot (box-and-whisker plot) displays which statistical measures?
- Mean, mode, range
- Median, quartiles, and outliers (Correct answer)
- Mean, variance, standard deviation
- Minimum, maximum, average
Correct answer: Median, quartiles, and outliers
Box plots show the median, interquartile range (Q1–Q3), whiskers for range, and individual outliers.
Question 3: Which chart is best for comparing multiple quantitative variables across several categories simultaneously?
- Bullet chart
- Radar/spider chart (Correct answer)
- Gantt chart
- Marimekko chart
Correct answer: Radar/spider chart
Radar charts plot multiple variables on axes radiating from a center, allowing multi-dimensional comparison.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a waterfall chart?
- Show geographic data distribution
- Display cumulative effect of sequential positive and negative values (Correct answer)
- Compare parts of a whole
- Track project timelines
Correct answer: Display cumulative effect of sequential positive and negative values
Waterfall charts visualize how an initial value is affected by a series of positive and negative incremental changes.
Question 5: Which visualization should you use to show progress toward a goal or compare a measure to a target?
- Gauge chart
- Bullet chart
- Both are appropriate (Correct answer)
- Neither is appropriate
Correct answer: Both are appropriate
Both gauge charts and bullet charts effectively show progress toward a target, though bullet charts are generally preferred for their efficiency.
Question 6: What type of chart is most suitable for displaying data across geographic regions?
- Choropleth map (Correct answer)
- Scatter plot
- Heatmap
- Bubble chart
Correct answer: Choropleth map
Choropleth maps use color intensity to represent data values across geographic areas or regions.
Which chart type is ideal for showing the flow of quantities between different stages or categories?