Associations between Numerical Variables: Scatterplots is a part of the VCE Further Maths topic Data Analysis. It is a part of the subtopic Investigating Associations Between Two Variables. In this post we look at using scatterplots to describe the relationships between variables in terms of:
- direction (positive/negative)
- form (linear/non-linear)
- strength (weak/moderate/strong)
Bivariate Data is data which has a dependent and an independent variable. Sometimes when we are given data, we find that there is a correlation between two variables. Scatterplots are used to determine whether this correlation exists by graphing the points. To construct a bivariate scatterplot you need to:
- Draw a number plane
- Label your x-axis (horizontal) with the independent variable and draw an appropriate scale.
- Label your y-axis (vertical) with the dependent variable and draw an appropriate scale.
- Plot the data from your table onto the graph.
How to Draw a Scatterplot
This video follows the steps outlined above to help you learn to draw a scatterplot!
How do I Interpret a Scatterplot?
Each set of data presented in a scatterplot shows a relationship. When the dots are very close together in a line, they have a stronger relationship and when they are further apart, there is either little or no relationship. Watch this video to learn how to interpret a scatterplot for the relationship between variables.
The following video explains how to identify the strength, form and direction of relationships in scatterplots.
The following video provides an example of identifying the strength, form and direction of relationships.
Want to learn more? Check out more of our VCE Mathematics resources here!
