Used properly, graphic aids can clarify complex points or emphasize a message. Used improperly or sloppily, they can be distracting or misleading. Tables are most useful for presenting numerical information, especially when several pieces of information have been gathered about each item being discussed.

Visiting two competing booths at a fashion trade show. One booth is the Hi Time booth, the other is for a competing company, So Cool. Compare the two charts shown on page 631 in the text under the Questions for Review and Critical Thinking section, Question 9. In preparing for a presentation to the Hi Time board, the client tells the researcher that the first chart doesn’t seem to reflect the improvements made since 2006. Therefore, the researcher prepares the second chart as shown.

ETHICS A researcher working for Hi Time prepares a bar chart comparing the number of customers visiting two competing booths at a fashion trade show. One booth is the Hi Time booth, and the other is for a competing company, So Cool. First, the chart is prepared as shown here:

In preparing for a presentation to the Hi Time Board, the client tells the researcher that the chart doesn’t seem to reflect the improvements made since 2006. Therefore, the researcher prepares the chart as shown here:

a. What has reformatting the bar chart accomplished?

b. Was it ethical for the client to ask for the bar chart to be redrawn?

c. Would it be ethical for the researcher to use the new chart in the presentation?