What is the most effective graph type for showing changes over time in a continuous data set?

The most effective graph type for showing changes over time in a continuous data set is a line graph. This type of graph uses a series of data points connected by straight lines, making it ideal for illustrating trends over intervals. Each point on the line represents a specific value at a given time, allowing viewers to easily see how the data increases, decreases, or remains stable throughout the time period being analyzed.

Line graphs are especially useful when comparing multiple data sets over the same timeline, as they can be plotted on the same axes. This visual representation clearly communicates patterns, fluctuations, and overall movement in the data, enabling better analysis and understanding of trends over time. In contrast, bar graphs are more suitable for comparing categories, pie charts represent parts of a whole rather than changes over time, and scatter plots focus on correlation between two variables rather than a time sequence. Therefore, a line graph is the most effective choice for this particular purpose.