#84: Graphs Are Arguments: Modeling Choices, Belonging, and Critical Statistical Literacy in Climate Data Visualizations

This paper explores how graphs operate as arguments through modeling choices including time window, scale, framing, aggregation, and audience. Drawing on contrasting climate visualizations built from the same data, it shows how representational choices shape interpretation and support different claims. It also argues that students were able to critique these choices because the classroom was organized as a Beloved Community, where belonging functioned as participation infrastructure for critical statistical literacy.