Data Visualization & Communication Flashcards

Which of the following BEST describes an executive dashboard in the context of business data analytics?

Answer: A high-level summary of KPIs enabling quick strategic decisions

An executive dashboard distills key performance indicators into a concise view that supports strategic decision-making.

When a CBDA analyst uses 'small multiples,' they are applying which visualization technique?

Answer: Creating several small charts with the same scale to compare across a variable

Small multiples repeat the same chart structure for different subgroups, enabling side-by-side comparison.

Which of the following is a key principle of effective data storytelling for business analysts?

Answer: Lead with a clear insight and support it with evidence

Effective data storytelling begins with the key insight, then uses evidence to support and contextualize it.

In a business report, what is the purpose of 'annotation' on a chart?

Answer: To highlight specific data points or trends with explanatory text

Annotations draw the audience's attention to key moments or outliers and provide direct explanatory context.

A CBDA analyst notices that a bar chart misleads viewers by starting the Y-axis at 500 instead of 0. This is an example of which problem?

Answer: Truncated axis distortion

A truncated Y-axis exaggerates differences between bars, misleading the audience about the true magnitude of change.

Which type of chart is BEST for displaying hierarchical data such as budget allocation broken down by department and then by project?

Answer: Treemap

A treemap uses nested rectangles to represent hierarchical proportions, making it ideal for budget breakdowns.