I really like Key Lime pie. No joke my wife’s key lime is the best and it’s my birthday request each year, not to mention any other time I can convince her to make it!
What kind of pie don’t I prefer? Arbitrary pie charts.
Arbitrary pie charts are pie charts that are not based on data or represent data in a misleading way. They can be found in all sorts of places, from news articles to corporate presentations. Here are a few reasons why I don’t like them:
1. They are often visually confusing
Arbitrary pie charts can be visually confusing because they do not accurately represent the data. For example, imagine a pie chart with three slices, one representing 20%, another representing 30%, and the last representing 50%. The first two slices might look similar in size, but in reality, the first slice is half the size of the second slice. This can lead to misinterpretation of the data and confusion.
2. They can be misleading
Arbitrary pie charts can be misleading because they can be used to emphasize certain data points or downplay others. For example, a pie chart might be used to show that 60% of people prefer apples to oranges, but if the chart is not based on a representative sample, the data could be misleading.
3. They can be used to manipulate opinions
Arbitrary pie charts can be used to manipulate opinions by presenting data in a certain way. For example, a company might use a pie chart to show that 70% of their customers are satisfied with their product, but if the data is based on a small sample size or biased survey, the chart could be used to misrepresent the company’s performance.
4. They are not always the best visualization tool
Finally, arbitrary pie charts are not always the best visualization tool. There are many other ways to represent data that are more accurate and easier to understand. For example, a bar chart or a line chart might be a better choice for representing data that changes over time.
In conclusion, arbitrary pie charts are a problem because they can be visually confusing, misleading, and used to manipulate opinions. If you need to create a pie chart, make sure it is based on accurate data and represents the data in a clear and understandable way.