Objectivity in Data Visualization

The ability to interpret the truth, accuracy, and objectivity in data visualizations is incredibly important, whether you are creating your own visualizations or are interpreting those you see. This course will teach you these skills.

We live in a period of time where we can capture and process unbelievable amounts of data. In this course, Objectivity in Data Visualization, you'll gain the ability to evaluate the truth, accuracy, and objectivity of data and visualizations both for creating visualizations and for interpreting those created by others. First, you’ll learn about objectivity in data – the meaning of data and the impact of data selection on objectivity. Next, you’ll examine objectivity in visual elements – how the visual elements of a chart or graphic can influence objectivity or distort the truth. Finally, you’ll explore interpretation and storytelling – where you’ll discover that accurate data and carefully crafted visuals are not enough on their own to tell an objective story. These skills are especially important today as we are constantly bombarded with data and visualizations that claim to tell objective truth but are, in fact, full of lies, whether intentional or unintentional. By the end of the course, you'll be able to detect the lies and hidden biases in visualizations you see and will be able to create visualizations that you can stand behind with confidence.