Step 2: Scatter Plot Analysis, and type 2–3 sentences responding to the following questions:
What does the trend line look like?
Do the variables show a negative or positive correlation? Or is there no apparent relationship between them?
Based on the scatter plot analysis, the trend line appears to be sloping upwards from left to right, indicating a positive correlation between the two variables. This implies that as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase.
To determine the trend line of a scatter plot, first, plot the data points on a graph. If the trend line slopes upwards from left to right, it indicates a positive correlation, meaning that as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase. If the trend line slopes downwards, it suggests a negative correlation, indicating that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. If the trend line appears to be horizontal or there is no clear pattern in the data points, it suggests no apparent relationship between the variables.
To analyze the scatter plot and determine the trend line of the variables, follow these steps:
1. Plot the data points on a graph with one variable on the x-axis and the other variable on the y-axis.
2. Look at the overall pattern formed by the data points. This will help identify any trends or relationships between the variables.
3. Draw a trend line that best fits the data points. This line represents the general direction of the relationship between the variables.
To answer the questions:
1. What does the trend line look like?
Look at the slope of the trend line. If it is upward sloping from left to right, it suggests a positive relationship between the variables, meaning that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase as well. If the slope is downward sloping, it suggests a negative relationship, indicating that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. A horizontal trend line suggests no apparent relationship between the variables.
2. Do the variables show a negative or positive correlation? Or is there no apparent relationship between them?
Examine the clustering of the data points around the trend line. If the majority of the points are closer to the trend line and follow its direction, it indicates a strong correlation between the variables. If the points are more scattered and do not conform to any particular pattern, it suggests a weak or no correlation. Additionally, consider calculating the correlation coefficient (such as Pearson's correlation coefficient) to obtain a quantitative measure of the relationship between the variables. A positive correlation coefficient indicates a positive relationship, a negative coefficient indicates a negative relationship, and a coefficient close to zero suggests no apparent relationship.