pdf Scatterplot Analysis

This scatter plot analysis worksheet gives students practice interpreting relationships between two quantitative variables. Students analyze four scatter plots and describe each association by its direction, form, and strength. They also make predictions, identify outliers and clusters, compare linear and nonlinear patterns, and distinguish association from causation.

The activity presents several contrasting data patterns, including a strong positive linear association, a negative linear association with an outlier, a dataset with no clear association, and a strong positive nonlinear association. Students use evidence from each graph to justify their conclusions, estimate values from a trend, select an appropriate model, and write cautious statements about relationships between variables.

This resource works well for instruction, guided practice, independent practice, review, intervention, or assessment. It helps students move beyond simply identifying positive or negative trends by requiring complete statistical descriptions and evidence-based explanations. The varied examples prepare students for later work with lines of fit, bivariate data, predictions, residual reasoning, and statistical modeling.

Skills Assessed

• Interpreting scatter plots
• Describing direction, form, and strength
• Identifying positive and negative associations
• Distinguishing linear and nonlinear patterns
• Identifying clusters and outliers
• Making predictions from a trend
• Distinguishing association from causation

Details

• 4 pages
• 4 scatter plot investigations
• 12 evidence-based analysis questions
• Linear, nonlinear, and no-association examples
• Outlier, cluster, prediction, and causation questions
• Complete answer key with sample responses included
• Trend lines included where appropriate

ID# 0776