This 4 page paper examines a web site that looks at overweight children over time. The charts are examined for appropriateness of use as well as accuracy. No additional sources cited.
Name of Research Paper File: RT13_SA450ovr.rtf
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a web site supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ("Prevalence," 2004). In order to critique the display of data, it is prudent for a student to
first identify how the data is presented. It should be noted that the data is provided with the use of a graph. The graph allows data to be displayed by
years beginning with the time period 1963 through 1970 and ending with the years 1999 through 2002. Each age category is clearly identified in this bar chart through the use
of coloration. The dark blue bar represents ages 12 through 19 whereas the light blue bar is indicative of ages 6 through 11. Generally, bar graphs are used to display
information and appropriately compare one set of data to another. In this instance, there are two comparisons accomplished at once which concerns the age groups and years. First, the age
groups are 6 through 11 and 12 through 19. It is likely that authors define the years 6 through 11 as childhood and 12 through 19 as adolescence. These categories
are arguable but not wrong. In fact, while some deem adolescence as commencing in the thirteenth year, it is well known that children mature earlier and earlier as time goes
on, something studied by scientists over time. However, the theorists draw a conclusion about obesity and leave out ages under 6. This may be a mistake and suggests that the
study is incomplete. There seems to be a rise in overweight amongst the very young and it would be interesting to see that additional bar on the table. That said,
the age parameters are acceptable to draw the conclusion and appropriately displayed. However, there seems to be a problem with the time frame and the years used create a situation