Traffic data in metropolitan areas show bimodal patterns with morning and evening commutes. Which plot is most appropriate to visualize this distribution?

Traffic data in metropolitan areas show bimodal patterns with morning and evening commutes. Which plot is most appropriate to visualize this distribution?

• A. Box and whisker plot
• B. Pie chart
• C. Histogram
• D. Stacked column chart

Answer: (C)

Visualizing how a continuous variable is distributed to reveal clustering and multiple peaks is best done with a histogram. In traffic data, the two peaks correspond to morning and evening rush hours, so a histogram will display two distinct bumps along the axis representing the variable (such as time of day or travel time). The x-axis shows ranges, and the y-axis shows how many observations fall into each range, making bimodality immediately visible as two highs. A box-and-whisker plot summarizes central tendency and spread but hides the fine shape of the distribution, so it often misses two distinct peaks. A pie chart splits data into categories and isn’t suited for showing the distribution of a continuous variable. A stacked column chart compares categories across groups, which can obscure the overall distribution shape rather than reveal how values are distributed across the entire range.

Visualizing how a continuous variable is distributed to reveal clustering and multiple peaks is best done with a histogram. In traffic data, the two peaks correspond to morning and evening rush hours, so a histogram will display two distinct bumps along the axis representing the variable (such as time of day or travel time). The x-axis shows ranges, and the y-axis shows how many observations fall into each range, making bimodality immediately visible as two highs.

A box-and-whisker plot summarizes central tendency and spread but hides the fine shape of the distribution, so it often misses two distinct peaks. A pie chart splits data into categories and isn’t suited for showing the distribution of a continuous variable. A stacked column chart compares categories across groups, which can obscure the overall distribution shape rather than reveal how values are distributed across the entire range.