references/distribution-and-summary-choices.md

# Distribution and Summary Choices

## What Problem This Solves

This reference helps decide whether to show full distributions, summaries, or both.

## When to Use It

Use this when selecting among histograms, density plots, box plots, violin plots, intervals, or summary tables.

## Key Takeaways

- Match the chart to the question: distribution shape, outliers, spread, or comparison of central tendency.
- Summaries are useful only when they do not hide the variation that matters.
- Small multiples can outperform stacking when comparing many distributions.

## Common Mistakes

- Using mean-only summaries when the spread is the real story.
- Choosing a fancier distribution chart without checking audience comprehension.

## Adjacent Skills

- `../SKILL.md`
- `../../visualization-strategy-and-critique/SKILL.md`

## Source Links

- [Visualization Analysis and Design](https://mitpressbookstore.mit.edu/book/9781466508910)