Questions: When is the stack plot most useful?
A. A stack plot is best used with categorical data, so that each category can be shown on the same plot. It is most useful when the difference between categories is important.
B. A stack plot is best used with ordinal data. It is most useful when the data rankings are more important than the actual data values.
C. A stack plot is best used with cumulative or relative-frequency data, including time-series data. It is most useful when the total of the data sets is important.
D. A stack plot is best used with time-series data. It is most useful when the trends of that data need to be shown over time and the difference between categories is not important.
Transcript text: When is the stack plot most useful?
A. A stack plot is best used with categorical data, so that each category can be shown on the same plot. It is most useful when the difference between categories is important.
B. A stack plot is best used with ordinal data. It is most useful when the data rankings are more important than the actual data values.
C. A stack plot is best used with cumulative or relative-frequency data, including time-series data. It is most useful when the total of the data sets is important.
D. A stack plot is best used with time-series data. It is most useful when the trends of that data need to be shown over time and the difference between categories is not important.
Solution
Solution Steps
Solution Approach
To determine when a stack plot is most useful, we need to understand the characteristics of stack plots and the types of data they best represent. Stack plots are particularly useful for showing cumulative data over time, where the total value is important and the contribution of each part to the whole can be visualized.
Step 1: Understanding Stack Plots
A stack plot is a type of graph that displays the values of multiple data series stacked on top of one another. It is particularly useful for visualizing cumulative data, where the total value of all series is important.
Step 2: Identifying Data Types
Stack plots are best suited for cumulative or relative-frequency data, especially in the context of time-series data. This allows for the visualization of how each category contributes to the total over time.
Step 3: Analyzing the Options
Option A discusses categorical data, which is not the primary focus of stack plots.
Option B mentions ordinal data, which is less relevant for stack plots.
Option C correctly identifies the usefulness of stack plots with cumulative or relative-frequency data.
Option D focuses on time-series data but downplays the importance of total values.