Question

Create a scatter plot of the high school dropout data.

a. Display only dropout rates
b. Include factors affecting dropout
c. Use different symbols for genders
d. No need for a scatter plot

Answer 1

In creating a scatter plot, one would decide on independent and dependent variables, plot them on a graph, and assess any apparent relationship.

Step-by-step explanation:

Creating a scatter plot is a way to visualize data and the relationships between two variables. The next steps include calculating the least-squares line and correlation coefficient for further analysis of the data. The independent variable is typically plotted along the x-axis, and the dependent variable is plotted on the y-axis. To answer the student's question:

1. Select the variable that is believed to influence the other as the independent variable. For example, year can be the independent variable and the dropout rates or percentage of workers as the dependent variable.
2. Draw a scatter plot by plotting points that correspond to the values of each pair of variables.
3. Examine the scatter plot to discern if there appears to be any obvious relationship between the variables. Look for patterns or trends that might form a line or curve.
4. Calculate the least-squares line, or the line of best fit. This line will minimize the distance between itself and all points on the scatter plot. It is expressed as ý = a + bx, where 'a' represents the y-intercept and 'bx' the slope of the line.
5. Compute the correlation coefficient to evaluate the strength and direction of the linear relationship between the two variables.
6. Use this line and the correlation coefficient to make predictions or draw conclusions about the data.