Visual examination of a scatterplot indicates the existence of an association between variables when
A) the distribution of Y changes as X changes
B) the regression line is parallel to the horizontal axis
C) the regression line is perpendicular to the horizontal axis
D) no single regression line can be found

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A scatterplot displays the relationship between two variables. An association exists between two variables when there is a systematic pattern in their relationship. Visual examination of a scatterplot can help identify this pattern. Choice A correctly identifies that an association exists when the distribution of Y changes as X changes, which indicates a positive or negative correlation between the two variables. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not relate to the presence or absence of an association between variables.

Visual Examination of a Scatterplot Indicates the Existence of an Association