Scatter Plot Examples in Statistics

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Scatter Plot.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Statistics.

Concept Recap

A graph that plots pairs of numerical values as dots on a coordinate plane, revealing the relationship between two variables.

Each dot is a person (or item) plotted by TWO measurements - like height on one axis and weight on the other. Patterns in the dots reveal relationships: do taller people weigh more? The scatter tells the story.

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: A scatter plot is NOT a line graph — it shows the relationship between two separate variables, not one variable over time. Each dot is independent, and the pattern may not be linear.

Common stuck point: Students confuse scatter plots with line graphs. Scatter plots show relationships between two separate variables; line graphs show one variable changing over time.

Sense of Study hint: First, identify your two variables and decide which is independent (x-axis) and which is dependent (y-axis). Then plot each data pair as a point at its (x, y) coordinates. Finally, examine the overall pattern: does it trend upward, downward, or show no trend?

Worked Examples

Example 1

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A scatter plot of hours studied (x) vs exam score (y) shows points rising from left to right in a roughly linear pattern. Describe the association.

Solution

  1. 1
    Step 1: Points rising from left to right indicates a positive association — as hours increase, scores tend to increase.
  2. 2
    Step 2: A roughly linear pattern suggests the relationship can be modelled with a straight line.
  3. 3
    Step 3: The association is positive and approximately linear.

Answer

Positive, approximately linear association.
Scatter plots reveal the direction (positive/negative), form (linear/non-linear), and strength (strong/weak) of the association between two quantitative variables.

Example 2

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Given points: (1,2), (2,4), (3,5), (4,4), (5,8). Plot them and identify any outlier from the general trend.

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

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A scatter plot shows the relationship between age of a car (years) and its resale value (\$). The points slope downward from left to right. Describe the association and explain what it means in context.

Example 2

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A scatter plot of practice hours and free-throw accuracy has points clustered tightly around an upward-sloping line. Describe the direction and strength of the association.
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