5.1.B—Describe the characteristics of a scatterplot

Describe the characteristics of a scatterplot.

• A description of the association shown in a scatterplot includes form, direction, strength, and unusual features.
• The form of the association shown in a scatterplot, if any, can be described as linear or non-linear.
• The direction of the association shown in a scatterplot, if any, can be described as positive or negative. A positive association means that as values of the explanatory variable increase, the values of the response variable tend to increase. A negative association means that as values of the explanatory variable increase, the values of the response variable tend to decrease.
• The strength of the association shown in a scatterplot is how closely the points follow the general pattern. Strength can be described as strong, moderate, or weak.
• Unusual features of a scatterplot include clusters of individual points or points that don’t fit in the general pattern of association between the two variables.