Part of Speech

Noun Phrase

Phonetic Transcription

/bʌɪəst ɡræf/

Meaning and Usage

A biased graph refers to a visual representation of data that misrepresents the information presented, leading the viewer to a particular, often misleading conclusion. This bias can arise from the way data is scaled, the selection of data points, or the visual design of the graph itself. The term is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions about media, statistics, and research.

Frequency of Use: The term "biased graph" is relatively common in academic and analytical settings, especially in the fields of statistics, social sciences, and journalism. It is more frequently encountered in written contexts, such as articles, reports, and academic papers, although discussions in seminars and lectures also utilize the term.

Example Sentences

1. The instructor pointed out the biased graph used in the article to highlight how the data was manipulated.
   El instructor señaló el gráfico sesgado utilizado en el artículo para destacar cómo los datos fueron manipulados.

2. Viewers need to be cautious of biased graphs that can alter their perception of the facts.
   Los espectadores deben tener cuidado con los gráficos sesgados que pueden alterar su percepción de los hechos.

3. By examining the biased graph, we can identify the flaws in the research methodology.
   Al examinar el gráfico sesgado, podemos identificar los fallos en la metodología de investigación.

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "biased graph" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions; however, there are general idiomatic expressions related to bias and representation in statistics and data presentation.

1. To bend the truth
2. The news outlet tends to bend the truth with its biased graphs to sway public opinion.

3. La cadena de noticias tiende a torcer la verdad con sus gráficos sesgados para influir en la opinión pública.

4. To play fast and loose with the facts

5. Many politicians will play fast and loose with the facts, often presenting biased graphs to mislead voters.

6. Muchos políticos juegan rápido y suelto con los hechos, a menudo presentando gráficos sesgados para engañar a los votantes.

7. To manipulate data

8. Researchers who manipulate data can easily create a biased graph that supports their hypothesis.
9. Los investigadores que manipulan datos pueden crear fácilmente un gráfico sesgado que apoye su hipótesis.

Etymology

The term biased derives from the Middle English "biast" (meaning "to incline or slope"), which comes from the Anglo-French biais, meaning "slant" or "oblique". The word graph originates from the Greek word "graphē," which means "to write" or "to draw". Together, the phrase biased graph connotes a slanted representation of data.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: skewed graph, misleading graph, distorted graph
Antonyms: accurate graph, representative graph, unbiased graph