scattergraph

A scattergraph, also known as a scatter plot or scatter diagram, is a type of mathematical diagram that uses Cartesian coordinates to display values for typically two variables for a set of data. Each variable is represented by a dot, with the position of the dot determined by the values of the two variables. The pattern of the plotted points can reveal relationships between the two variables.

Scattergraphs are used to observe relationships between variables. For instance, if the points tend to go upwards from left to right, it suggests a positive correlation, meaning that as one variable increases, the other tends to increase as well. Conversely, if the points tend to go downwards from left to right, it indicates a negative correlation, where one variable increases as the other decreases. If there is no discernible pattern, the variables may be uncorrelated.

Beyond identifying the direction of a relationship, scattergraphs can also help in assessing the strength of the relationship. A tight cluster of points suggests a strong relationship, while a more dispersed cloud of points indicates a weaker relationship. Outliers, which are points that lie far away from the general pattern of the data, can also be easily identified on a scattergraph and may warrant further investigation.

Scattergraphs are a fundamental tool in exploratory data analysis and are widely used in various fields, including statistics, science, engineering, and business, to visualize and understand the association between two quantitative variables. They are often the first step in analyzing bivariate data before applying more complex statistical techniques.