What is a scatter plot?

A scatter plot is a graphical representation that displays the relationship between two quantitative variables. Each point on the plot corresponds to an observation in the dataset, with the position on the horizontal axis representing one variable and the position on the vertical axis representing the other variable. By plotting these points, one can visually assess the correlation or association between the two variables, including patterns, trends, or clusters that may exist. This makes scatter plots particularly useful in exploratory data analysis and in determining the strength and direction of relationships, such as linear, nonlinear, or no correlation at all.

Other options reflect different types of data visualization methods that serve different purposes; for instance, bar graphs are suitable for categorical comparisons, while pie charts illustrate proportions of a whole. A diagram showing distribution, like a frequency distribution, is distinct from the relational focus of a scatter plot. Thus, the first choice accurately encapsulates what a scatter plot represents.