Subjectivity in Data Visualization

Dr.  Hidy  Kong Ph.D. is an assistant professor in Computer Science at Seattle University.  She obtained her Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign, and  holds bachelor's degrees in Computer science and Music from Calvin College.   Dr. Kong's research examines cognitive theories and practical application of visualization for communication, especially in the healthcare domain. Her latest research projects looked at credibility and trust in visualization online, and how visualization can help clinicians and parents of young children communicate more efficiently.  

CENTERING WISDOM

1. Reflection:   How are you consuming statistical information online? How do you determine the credibility of the information?

2. Reflection : How many different sources of information do you check when encountering new information? Do they provide different aspects of the same issue or are they always saying the same thing?

3. Activity:  What are some ways that seemingly neutral information can be biased or framed? Discuss with a partner for 10 minutes. 

CHECK OUT THESE LINKS

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but words frame a picture Links to an external site. 

Misleading Statistics & Data: How To Protect Yourself Against Bad Statistics Links to an external site. 

How Coronavirus Charts Can Mislead Us Links to an external site. 

How Statistics can be Misleading Links to an external site.