The use of visuals is to be expected in a work involving the study of statistics, and thus Murray and Herrnstein often remind the reader of the significance behind The Bell Curve's namesake. Using numerous varieties of charts, graphs, tables, and all else of the ilk, the authors frequently attempt to break down abstract concepts using visual aids. Simply stating that the wages of less-educated workers have decreased significantly has a far less powerful effect than letting the reader see the discrepancies of the numbers side-by-side. Likewise, the "bell curve" that is the namesake of the book cannot have the same impact without first being able to visualize such a graphic. Thus, the author's visuals serve an integral part in not only attracting audiences but also in reinforcing statistical claims.
Ironically, however, it is far beyond the scope of any social scientist to be able to find a universal, comprehensive graphic that can accurately portray any single factor in society or in the class system. The basis for Murray and Herrnstein's work is tackling each factor individually and in natural succession, laying statistical foundations and then proceeding to prove their significance. As a result, however, this method often backfires on the authors when they appear to be obstructed by a phenomenon of probability, where exceptions, plot outliers, and multiple uncontrollable factors are in play at once. These instances, while usually acknowledged by the authors, can result in disengagement from the reader, and so certain uses of visual aid in the book have been critiqued as void of logical significance.
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