Describe association in paired data
The idea
Each point in a scatter plot represents one pair of measurements from the same observation.
Step by step
- Each point in a scatter plot represents one pair of measurements from the same observation.
- Look across the points as the first coordinate increases: do second values generally rise, fall or show no clear direction?
- Describe the displayed pattern; association alone does not prove a causal explanation.
Example
Paired measurements: (1, 2), (2, 3), (3, 5), (4, 7), (5, 8).
Which description best matches the overall direction of these paired data?
Answer
an upward trend
The second values generally increase as the first values increase. Association in a data set does not by itself establish cause.
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Plot one of the five-pair data sets on graph paper. Describe its direction and one reason the graph alone cannot prove a cause.
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