Final answer:
The optimal choice for displaying categorical data are either a bar graph or a pie chart, depending on if the focus is on comparing the categories or showing each category as part of a whole.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to display categorical data along with a brief description is using a bar graph or a pie chart. A bar graph is suitable for comparing categories or showing changes over time, with the length of each bar representing the number or percent of individuals in each category. A pie chart, on the other hand, is effective for showing parts of a whole, displaying categories of data as wedges in a circle that correspond to the percentage of a total.
For displaying qualitative or categorical data, such as the number of students in each school year, a pie chart shows the distribution as a part of a whole. However, when the data consists of numerous categories or when comparing data over time, a bar graph often provides a clearer visualization, especially if each category needs to be distinguished clearly. When choosing between these visual representations, it's essential to consider the type of data and the context in which it is being presented to determine the most helpful graph for displaying the information accurately.