Scatter plot

A graph for displaying a pair of numerical variables. The graph has two axes, one for each variable, and points are plotted to show the values of these two variables for each of the individuals.

A scatter plot is essential for exploring the relationship that may exist between the two variables and for revealing the features of this relationship.

In linear regression, at level 8, one of the two variables is regarded as the explanatory variable and the other variable as the response variable. In this case, the explanatory variable is plotted on the horizontal axis (x-axis) and the response variable is plotted on the vertical axis (y-axis).

When fitting models to data, as in linear regression, a scatter plot is essential for assessing how useful the fitted model may be.

Example

In this hypothetical example, ice cream sales (in dollars) and temperature (in degrees) are displayed on the scatter plot below.

Alternatives: scatter diagram, scattergram, scatter graph

Curriculum achievement objectives references

Statistical investigation: Levels 4, 5, 6, 7, 8