Final answer:
A distorted scale can magnify the apparent relative changes in the data by altering the scale range, making fluctuations appear larger on a graph.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is about the effect of a distorted scale on the perceived changes in data when represented graphically. A distorted scale can either magnify or diminish the apparent changes or fluctuations in the data, depending on how the scale is altered. When the vertical scale of a graph is changed from a larger range to a smaller range, it tends to magnify relative changes in one axis with respect to the other, making fluctuations appear larger than they are in a neutral scale. Conversely, expanding the scale diminishes the visual impact of the data fluctuations, making them appear smaller. Thus, the correct statement with respect to the distorted scale is that a distorted scale can magnify relative change in one axis with respect to the other.