Kosminsky, DorisWalny, JagodaVermeulen, JoKnudsen, SørenWillett, Wesley J.Carpendale, Sheelagh2020-12-012020-12-012019-12Kosminsky, D., Walny, J., Vermeulen, J., Knudsen, S., Willett, W. J., & Carpendale, S. (2019). Belief at first sight: Data visualization and the rationalization of seeing. "Information Design Journal", 25(1), pp. 43-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/idj.25.1.04kos0142-5471http://hdl.handle.net/1880/112797https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/46144Data visualizations are often represented in public discourse as objective proof of facts. However, a visualization is only a single translation of reality, just like any other media, representation devices, or modes of representation. If we wish to encourage thoughtful, informed, and literate consumption of data visualizations, it is crucial that we consider why they are often presented and interpreted as objective. We reflect theoretically on data visualization as a system of representation historically anchored in science, rationalism, and notions of objectivity. It establishes itself within a lineage of conventions for visual representations which extends from the Renaissance to the present and includes perspective drawing, photography, cinema and television, as well as computer graphics. By examining our tendency to see credibility in data visualizations and grounding that predisposition in a historical context, we hope to encourage more critical and nuanced production and interpretation of data visualizations in the public discourse.engUnless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.data visualizationrepresentationobjectivityhistorical contextjournal articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1075/idj.25.1.04kos