Scatterplots and Correlation

Notes
 Launch: Scatterplots

Scatterplot: a graph of a collection of ordered

pairs (x, y)

- Generally looks like a bunch of dots, but some

have a more general shape or move in a general
direction

Correlation: the extent to which two or more

variables vary (change) together
- also referred to as association or relationship
 Correlations

Positive Correlation: the x coordinates and y

coordinates both increase
(positive slope)

ex: Childs age and height

Negative Correlation: one of the x coordinates or y

coordinates increases while the other decreases
(negative slope)

ex: Age of Car and Value ($)

No Correlation: there seems to be no pattern, and
the points look scattered. This means the two
variables are not related.

ex: Height and grade on post test.

 Launch: Types of Correlations
Strong Correlation: the data points cluster in a
predictable pattern

Weak Correlation: the data points cluster loosely in a

pattern that is less predictable

Linear Correlation: the data points form a straight line

Non-Linear Correlation: the data points form a curve

Clustering: data values occurring close together

Outlier: a data point with a value that is very different

from the other data points in the set.