Scatterplots;
Correlation and
Causation
MATH 1001 – Quantitative Skills and Reasoning
Introduction to Modeling Unit
1
Scatterplots
A scatterplot is a graph that shows the relationship between two
sets of data.
Types of Correlation
Positive Correlation Negative Correlation No Correlation
As one set of data increases, the as one set of data increases, the The datasets show no relationship.
other set of data tends to increase. other set of data tends to decrease.
Correlation Coefficient
−1 ≤ 𝑟 ≤ 1
We use “r” to represent the correlation
• The sign of r indicates the direction of the linear relationship between
the two variables
• If r < 0, there is a negative linear relationship between the two variables
• If r > 0, there is a positive linear relationship between the two variables
• If r ≈ 0, then there is no linear relationship between the two variables
• If |𝑟| ≈ 1, then there is a very strong linear relationship between the two
variables
Examples – Desmos Graphing App
Plot the datasets and determine the type of correlation.
November High Temperature
Date Temperature (◦F)
3 50
6 47
9 51
12 46
15 44
18 47
21 46
24 45
27 42
30 44
Examples – Microsoft Excel
Plot the datasets and determine the type of correlation.
Electoral Votes Received by Winning Candidate
Year Votes
1984 525
1988 426
1992 370
1996 379
2000 271
2004 286
2008 365
2012 332
2016 304
2020 306
Examples – TI-83/84+ Graphing
Calculator
Plot the datasets and determine the type of correlation.
x y
1 75.8
2 79.6
3 88.2
4 87.4
5 90.8
6 97.2
7 94.8
8 96.4
9 105.4
Causation
It is important to note that just because variables are related
this fact alone does not automatically imply than one variable
is the cause of the results of the other variable.
