How to Create a Scatterplot
A scatter plot, also known as a scatter diagram, is used as a tool to help determine correlation in a set of paired data. After plotting all of the data, the placement of the dots on the graph will provide you with information regarding correlation. If the dots line up and follow a similar trend, you will know that there's a strong correlation in the two pieces of data you're studying. Information gathered from a scatter plot can be used to determine if you want to further examine the data -- if there's no correlation, you may decide against further research.
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Instructions
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Gather data to be used in your scatter plot. In order to be usable, the data must include two pieces of information that result in a cause and effect, such as the temperature and amount of snowfall.
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Draw an "L" shape on a piece of paper to create the axes of the scatter plot. The vertical line is the "Y" axis and the horizontal line is the "X" axis.
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Label each axis with what it represents and incremental numbers. For example, if you did the scatter plot about the temperature and snowfall, the X axis could say "Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit" and be labeled in 5 degree increments from -20 to 40. The Y axis could say "Snowfall in inches" and be labeled in 1 inch increments.
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Plot your data onto the graph. If it was 10 F out and snowed 1 inch, you'd follow the X axis to 10 then go up to 1 and draw a dot. Repeat for every piece of data available.
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