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Logarithmic scales in ecological data presentation may cause misinterpretation.

Duncan N L Menge1, Anna C MacPherson2, Thomas A Bytnerowicz3

  • 1Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. dm2972@columbia.edu.

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This summary is machine-generated.

Many scientists misunderstand logarithmic scales in graphs, leading to data misinterpretation. This study highlights the need for better education on log-scaled data visualization in ecology.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Scientific Communication
  • Data Visualization

Background:

  • Logarithmic scales are common in scientific data presentation, particularly in ecology.
  • The accuracy of reader interpretation of log-scaled graphs is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of log-scaled axes in ecological literature.
  • To evaluate the extent to which ecologists can correctly interpret graphs with logarithmic axes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of graphs in papers published in the journal Ecology in 2015.
  • A survey administered to members of the Ecological Society of America to interpret linear-linear and log-log graphs.

Main Results:

  • 22% of 2015 Ecology papers featured at least one log-scaled axis; 21% of these were log-log displays.
  • Survey respondents interpreted linear-linear graphs more accurately (93%) than log-log graphs (56%).
  • Specific graph interpretation accuracy varied significantly, with some log-log graphs correctly interpreted by as few as 9-12% of respondents.

Conclusions:

  • Misconceptions regarding the interpretation of log-scaled data are widespread among ecologists.
  • Ecology curricula should incorporate explicit instruction on interpreting logarithmic scales and equations.
  • Authors should consider potential reader misinterpretations when choosing data visualization methods.