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 uses dots to show the relationship between two numerical variables, with each dot representing one data point.

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 displays pairs of numerical values as points on a coordinate plane, revealing the direction, strength, and form of the relationship between two variables.

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.

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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Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

coordinate planetwo variable data