6 ms·

Why do people plot exponential curves on a non-logarithmic scale?

kevin1894 6y ago
I think to non-scientists, or at least people who don't work with log scales, the use of linear scales makes the graph easier to understand. While I wouldn't expect to see this in Nature, this article reads like it is intended for a general audience.
- lonelappde 6y ago
  Easier to misunderstand, yes. If the motivation is to simplify, they should plot 2 graphs, with a second graph being log plot or a zoom on the low scale part to show its not linear
deleted 6y ago
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pdm55 6y ago
Because you need to get the attention of (1) the man in the street, and (2) politicians. And if the politicians aren't taking notice, they will get a quick wake-up call from their electorate.
- pdm55 6y ago
  Australian news outlet uses a log plot. It certainly has a benefit, as you can clearly compare different countries. Is your growth rate more like Italy's, or more like Japan's? We, in Australia, certainly need to do better. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-26/coronavirus-covid19-global-spread-data-explained/12089028 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-26/coronavirus-covid19-g...
joppy 6y ago
A linear scale for that graph is completely appropriate: it’s showing how one data series has flattened out and the other continues to grow at an increasing rate. I would also argue that since one of those data series is clearly not exponential (it’s more of a sideways S-shape) it would be harder to interpret what that series actually looked like on a log scale. If you choose to plot things on a logarithmic scale, you open a whole can of worms with expecting your target audience to be educated numerically and understand the implications of a line on a log-scale (which looks far less dire than an exponential on a linear scale).
danharaj 6y ago
If you understand exponentials log plots are the way to go. But most people need a lesson in what they mean before nature gives them a catastrophic one.
wolfram74 6y ago
because log charts are for quitters https://xkcd.com/1162/ https://xkcd.com/1162/
ant6n 6y ago
It’s reasonable if there is a logistical curve on the same diagram.

I think to non-scientists, or at least people who don't work with log scales, the use of linear scales makes the graph easier to understand. While I wouldn't expect to see this in Nature, this article reads like it is intended for a general audience.

lonelappde 6y ago
Easier to misunderstand, yes. If the motivation is to simplify, they should plot 2 graphs, with a second graph being log plot or a zoom on the low scale part to show its not linear

deleted 6y ago

[deleted]

pdm55 6y ago

Because you need to get the attention of (1) the man in the street, and (2) politicians. And if the politicians aren't taking notice, they will get a quick wake-up call from their electorate.

pdm55 6y ago
Australian news outlet uses a log plot. It certainly has a benefit, as you can clearly compare different countries. Is your growth rate more like Italy's, or more like Japan's? We, in Australia, certainly need to do better. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-26/coronavirus-covid19-global-spread-data-explained/12089028 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-26/coronavirus-covid19-g...

joppy 6y ago

A linear scale for that graph is completely appropriate: it’s showing how one data series has flattened out and the other continues to grow at an increasing rate. I would also argue that since one of those data series is clearly not exponential (it’s more of a sideways S-shape) it would be harder to interpret what that series actually looked like on a log scale. If you choose to plot things on a logarithmic scale, you open a whole can of worms with expecting your target audience to be educated numerically and understand the implications of a line on a log-scale (which looks far less dire than an exponential on a linear scale).

danharaj 6y ago

If you understand exponentials log plots are the way to go. But most people need a lesson in what they mean before nature gives them a catastrophic one.

wolfram74 6y ago

because log charts are for quitters https://xkcd.com/1162/ https://xkcd.com/1162/

ant6n 6y ago

It’s reasonable if there is a logistical curve on the same diagram.