All techniques
Cherry-picking
The cherry-picked window
The trend depends on when you press start.
a.k.a. convenient timeframe · endpoint shopping
Zoom to the right five years and almost any series can be made to soar, crash, or flatline. The data is untouched — the crop does all the work.
How to spot it
- A start date with no obvious justification.
- Zoom out and the “trend” becomes noise, seasonality, or a rebound from a carefully chosen low.
The honest version
Show the longest relevant window, or several. If one specific window matters, say why it matters.
In the gallery
No exhibits charged with this — yet.
The wall is still being hung. When a chart pulls this trick, it'll be exhibited here.
Browse the gallery