Checking understanding of scatter graphs
I can plot and interpret data points on scatter graphs.
Checking understanding of scatter graphs
I can plot and interpret data points on scatter graphs.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Data is given as pairs of values.
- The independent variable is placed on the horizontal axis.
- Placing the independent variable on the other axis reflects the data points in y=x but not the correlation type.
Common misconception
Pupils may be uncertain about which variable to plot on the horizontal axis if they are unsure about which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable.
Getting it wrong should not affect your interpretations of the data too much and sometimes neither variable might be dependent on the other. If you are unsure, consider which variable seems the most likely to be affecting the other in context.
Keywords
Bivariate data - Bivariate data has two variables, where each data point for one variable has a corresponding data point for the other variable.
Scatter graph - A scatter graph is a visual representation for bivariate data. It can be useful when determining the nature of the relationship between the variables.
Independent variable - An independent (explanatory) variable is a measure that is predicted to have an effect on another variable.
Dependent variable - A dependent (response) variable is a measure whose value is predicted to be affected by an explanatory variable.
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
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Independent variable -
horizontal axis
Dependent variable -
vertical axis