Why might a graph showing data points be connected with straight lines rather than a smooth curve?

Connecting data points on a graph with straight lines rather than using a smooth curve can effectively highlight sharp changes in the data. When data points are connected with straight lines, it visually emphasizes the immediate differences between consecutive points, making it easier to identify abrupt shifts or trends. This approach is particularly useful when the underlying relationship between the variables is not known or is expected to be non-linear, allowing the viewer to focus on the discrete nature of the data.

The use of straight lines can also help to visualize specific changes at precise points, which is critical in cases where such shifts have significant implications, such as in experimental biology or when analyzing time-series data. By doing this, the graph effectively communicates key information without assuming a continuous or gradual change between the points.