High School

What is a scatter plot?

A. A scatter plot is a circular statistical graphic divided into segments.

B. A scatter plot displays the magnitude and proportion of multiple variables over a continuous axis.

C. A scatter plot represents the frequency distribution of a numeric dataset.

D. A scatter plot is a type of plot that displays values pertaining to typically two variables against each other.

Answer :

A scatter plot is a type of plot that displays values pertaining to typically two variables against each other. It is used in statistics to visually show the correlation or relationship between two numerical sets of data.

Here's how a scatter plot works:

  1. Plotting Points: Each point on a scatter plot represents two values. One value is assigned to the x-axis (horizontal), and the other is assigned to the y-axis (vertical). This means each point on the plot corresponds to a pair of values.

  2. Axes: The two axes each represent one of the variables being compared. For example, if you are comparing the height and weight of individuals, the height could be on the x-axis and the weight on the y-axis.

  3. Correlation: By examining how the points are spread across the plot, you can identify possible correlations.

    • Positive Correlation: If the points slope upwards from left to right, it suggests a positive correlation, meaning as one variable increases, the other tends to increase too.
    • Negative Correlation: If the points slope downwards, this indicates a negative correlation, where an increase in one variable results in a decrease in the other.
    • No Correlation: If the points are randomly scattered without any clear pattern, there may be no correlation between the variables.
  4. Purpose: Scatter plots are particularly useful for identifying patterns, trends, correlations, or outliers within a data set. They are commonly used in fields such as economics, biology, and social sciences to analyze relationships between variables.

Therefore, the correct choice from the given options is: "A scatter plot is a type of plot that displays values pertaining to typically two variables against each other."