11. An economist produced this graphic with an article stating that gas prices did not move much between November 2004 and July 2005. Explain why the graph does not give a fair picture of the changes in gas prices in this period. Gentle Fluctuation in Gas prices 250 200 150 100 50 2/15/05 5/15/05 11/15/04

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**Gas Price Fluctuation Analysis**

**Problem Statement:**
An economist produced this graphic with an article stating that gas prices did not move much between November 2004 and July 2005. Explain why the graph does not give a fair picture of the changes in gas prices in this period.

**Graph Description:**
The graph is titled "Gentle Fluctuation in Gas Prices." It presents data over the timeframe from November 15, 2004, to July 2005. The y-axis represents the price level, with intervals from 0 to 250. The x-axis marks specific dates: 11/15/04, 2/15/05, and 5/15/05.

**Data Analysis:**
The graph shows a line plot with blue data points connected along a trajectory that appears relatively steady with minor fluctuations. Despite the claim of minimal movement in gas prices, the presented scale (ranging from 0 to 250) may exaggerate the perception of stability by not focusing on a narrower range that could reveal more significant variations.

**Critical Evaluation:**
The graph potentially lacks a fair representation due to the following:
- **Vertical Scale:** The full range from 0 to 250 may obscure noticeable fluctuations in the actual gas prices, presenting them as smaller than they might be if a narrower scale were used.
- **Data Range:** Without precise numerical values or context, it's challenging to determine the true degree of change in gas prices.
- **Visual Interpretation:** The graph's presentation may suggest more stability than actually present, as subtle price changes may be rendered insignificant against the full scale.

This analysis emphasizes the importance of appropriately setting graph parameters to accurately convey data insights and avoid misleading interpretations.
Transcribed Image Text:**Gas Price Fluctuation Analysis** **Problem Statement:** An economist produced this graphic with an article stating that gas prices did not move much between November 2004 and July 2005. Explain why the graph does not give a fair picture of the changes in gas prices in this period. **Graph Description:** The graph is titled "Gentle Fluctuation in Gas Prices." It presents data over the timeframe from November 15, 2004, to July 2005. The y-axis represents the price level, with intervals from 0 to 250. The x-axis marks specific dates: 11/15/04, 2/15/05, and 5/15/05. **Data Analysis:** The graph shows a line plot with blue data points connected along a trajectory that appears relatively steady with minor fluctuations. Despite the claim of minimal movement in gas prices, the presented scale (ranging from 0 to 250) may exaggerate the perception of stability by not focusing on a narrower range that could reveal more significant variations. **Critical Evaluation:** The graph potentially lacks a fair representation due to the following: - **Vertical Scale:** The full range from 0 to 250 may obscure noticeable fluctuations in the actual gas prices, presenting them as smaller than they might be if a narrower scale were used. - **Data Range:** Without precise numerical values or context, it's challenging to determine the true degree of change in gas prices. - **Visual Interpretation:** The graph's presentation may suggest more stability than actually present, as subtle price changes may be rendered insignificant against the full scale. This analysis emphasizes the importance of appropriately setting graph parameters to accurately convey data insights and avoid misleading interpretations.
### Global Average Temperature Changes (1880-2013)

The graph represents global average temperature changes based on a weighted average of meteorological stations worldwide from 1880 to 2013. It presents both annual mean values and five-year running mean differences from the average of the 1951 to 1980 period. Selected periods have 95% confidence intervals shown in green.

#### Graph Explanation:

- **Vertical Axis (Y-axis):** This displays the temperature anomaly in degrees Celsius (°C).
- **Horizontal Axis (X-axis):** This covers the years from 1880 to 2020.
- **Black Line:** Represents the annual mean temperature changes.
- **Red Line:** Depicts the five-year running mean of the temperature changes.
- **Confidence Intervals (Green):** Indicate the 95% confidence intervals for selected periods.

#### Questions:

**a. How does the black (yearly) line differ from the red (5-year running mean) line? Explain why you would expect that difference to occur.**

**b. Describe the overall pattern seen in the plot and any important deviations from that pattern. Suppose that global temperatures stayed the same or decreased somewhat for a ten-year period. Would the overall pattern seen in the graph then give a different appearance? Explain.**

This graph and accompanying questions are used to analyze changes in global temperature patterns over an extended period and to consider possible alternative scenarios.
Transcribed Image Text:### Global Average Temperature Changes (1880-2013) The graph represents global average temperature changes based on a weighted average of meteorological stations worldwide from 1880 to 2013. It presents both annual mean values and five-year running mean differences from the average of the 1951 to 1980 period. Selected periods have 95% confidence intervals shown in green. #### Graph Explanation: - **Vertical Axis (Y-axis):** This displays the temperature anomaly in degrees Celsius (°C). - **Horizontal Axis (X-axis):** This covers the years from 1880 to 2020. - **Black Line:** Represents the annual mean temperature changes. - **Red Line:** Depicts the five-year running mean of the temperature changes. - **Confidence Intervals (Green):** Indicate the 95% confidence intervals for selected periods. #### Questions: **a. How does the black (yearly) line differ from the red (5-year running mean) line? Explain why you would expect that difference to occur.** **b. Describe the overall pattern seen in the plot and any important deviations from that pattern. Suppose that global temperatures stayed the same or decreased somewhat for a ten-year period. Would the overall pattern seen in the graph then give a different appearance? Explain.** This graph and accompanying questions are used to analyze changes in global temperature patterns over an extended period and to consider possible alternative scenarios.
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