New
New
Year 10
Higher
Checking understanding of correlation
I can interpret scatter graphs.
New
New
Year 10
Higher
Checking understanding of correlation
I can interpret scatter graphs.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The distribution of the data points may suggest correlation.
- The type of correlation should be interpreted in context.
- Correlation does not mean causation.
Common misconception
Correlation between two variables always means that one variable has a causal effect on the other.
Two variables may have correlation because they are both dependent on a third variable. E.g. one slide shows correlation between the number of cell towers in a region and the amount of transport emissions, which both correlate with population.
Keywords
Correlation - Correlation describes the extent to which the relationship is close to a linear relationship.
Many of the scatter graphs in the slide deck contain links to an interactive version in Desmos. These could be used by the teacher to pupils to explore these datasets in more detail.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
A scatter graph is a visual representation for bivariate data. It can be useful when determining the nature of the relationship between the two .
Q2.
What is a variable that is predicted to be affected by another variable called?
independent variable
explanatory variable
Q3.
Match each type of variable to the axis it should be plotted on.
horizontal axis
vertical axis
Q4.
The table contains data taken from the Met Office about weather in Stornoway. Sofia plots a scatter graph with sunshine as the dependent variable. What coordinates should she plot for June?
(38, 38)
(219, 219)
(219, 0)
(38, 219)
Q5.
The graph shows travel data from the ONS about the commuting distance and the total number of bus journeys in 2023 for different regions of the UK. Which point shows the highest commuting distance?
Point A
Point B
Point D
Point E
Q6.
The scatter graph shows data taken from the ONS about house prices and annual income. Each point represents a region in England in 2023. Select the correct statements.
Regions in the South have a lower median house price.
As median income increases, house prices tend to decrease
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
describes the extent to which a relationship between two variables is close to a linear relationship.
Q2.
Select the scatter graphs which show an association between the two variables.
Q3.
Which of these scatter graphs show a positive correlation?
Q4.
This scatter graph shows the number of hours revision and the marks scored in a maths test by a group of year 10 Oak students. The scatter graph shows correlation.
Q5.
Laura says, ‘A negative correlation does not always mean that one variable is causing the decrease in the other variable.” Is Laura correct?
No, one variable is affecting the other.
No, correlation means one variable causes the other to decrease.
Yes, one variable cause the other variable to increase.
Q6.
This scatter graph shows data taken from the ONS about regions in the UK. Select the correct statement.
As median house prices increase, median income also increases.
As median income decreases, median house prices increase.
As median house prices decrease, median income increases.
There is no correlation between median house prices and median income.