What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (2024)

Last updated on Jun 17, 2024

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Correlation Clues

2

Trend Analysis

3

Spotting Outliers

4

Data Density

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5

Distribution Details

6

Predictive Power

7

Here’s what else to consider

Scatter plots are a staple in data visualization, allowing you to see relationships between two variables at a glance. Imagine plotting data points on a graph where one variable is on the x-axis and another on the y-axis. As you scatter the points, patterns start to emerge. These patterns can reveal correlations, trends, and outliers that might not be evident in tables of numbers. By examining the density and distribution of points, you can gain insights into the nature of the relationship between the variables, helping you to make informed decisions or hypotheses.

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  • Edwin W. Cloud Support Engineer II - Big Data at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

    What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (3) 3

  • Iurii Chistiakov Senior Data Analyst | HR Analyst | 7+ years of experience | Driving business success through data-driven…

    What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (5) What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (6) 2

  • Mohamed Kareem SHRM-SCP Dubai university - Data Analytics professional Michigan State University USA - MBA - strategic management…

    What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (8) 1

What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (9) What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (10) What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (11)

1 Correlation Clues

Scatter plots are particularly useful for identifying the type of correlation between variables. When points trend upward from left to right, this suggests a positive correlation; as one variable increases, so does the other. Conversely, a downward trend indicates a negative correlation, where one variable decreases as the other increases. If the points are widely scattered without any discernible trend, this hints at a lack of correlation, suggesting that the variables do not significantly influence each other.

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  • Edwin W. Cloud Support Engineer II - Big Data at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
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    Scatter plots reveal correlation clues such as positive or negative trends, indicated by upward or downward patterns of points. Random scattering shows no correlation, while the strength of correlation is seen in how closely points form a line. Outliers suggest anomalies, curved patterns indicate non-linear relationships, and clusters can point to subgroups within the data. These patterns help identify relationships between variables.

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  • Mohamed Kareem SHRM-SCP Dubai university - Data Analytics professional Michigan State University USA - MBA - strategic management Victoria business school- PHR
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    It is a method of visualizing data relationships and identifying correlations between independent and dependent variables in order to pinpoint the specific cause of a business case, leading to strategic decision-making.

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    What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (29) 1

  • yashvi malviya Data-Driven Analyst | Master’s in Data Analytics | Actively Exploring Analyst Roles | R | Python | Tableau | SQL | MS EXCEL
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    A scatter plot's pattern offers valuable insights. Clustered points may reveal underlying trends or relationships between variables. A positive slope suggests a direct correlation, while a negative slope indicates an inverse relationship. Outliers can highlight anomalies worth investigating. Recognizing these patterns aids in data-driven decision-making, optimizing strategies, and uncovering hidden opportunities. Effective interpretation of scatter plots enhances analytical skills, providing a competitive edge in problem-solving and strategic planning.

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    What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (38) 1

  • Mohammed.Shafeeq Ahmed Data Analyst @ AIR | Data Analytics, Business Intelligence (BI) | Power BI Trainer | Workshop Facilitator
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    Scatter plots are powerful for visualizing data relationships. They help identify correlations between variables, whether positive, negative, or none. Outliers, which deviate significantly from the pattern, are easily spotted. Scatter plots also reveal clusters and groupings, showing natural data subsets. They highlight trends and non-linear relationships, aiding in forecasting. Using color, size, or shape variations, they support multivariate analysis. The spread of data points indicates variability, providing insights into data distribution. Overall, scatter plots are essential for extracting meaningful insights and making informed decisions.

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  • Wajid Khan, PhD. Digi-Asset Pools (DAPs)?👉 wajidkhan.info
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    Scatter plots reveal hidden connections in your data. By looking at how the dots cluster, you can uncover trends and relationships between two variables. A cloud of points scattered randomly suggests little to no connection. If the points form a diagonal streak, one variable tends to increase as the other does (positive correlation). Conversely, a downward slope indicates a decrease in one with an increase in the other (negative correlation). A tight cluster signifies a strong relationship, while a loose cluster suggests a weaker one. Outliers, data points far from the main cluster, might warrant further investigation or indicate potential errors.

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2 Trend Analysis

Beyond correlation, scatter plots help in recognizing underlying trends. A line of best fit drawn through the points can show a general direction, indicating whether the relationship is strong or weak. By observing how closely the points cluster around this line, you can assess the variability of the data. Tight clusters suggest a strong relationship with less variability, while more spread out points indicate a weaker relationship with greater variability.

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  • Marina Iantorno Research Analyst - AI and Data Analytics
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    Scatter plots a te useful to understand the trends, the behaviour of the data and correlations. This is why this visualisation is so popular and used in different reports and presentations.

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    What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (63) 1

  • Shayma Oueslati Artificial Intelligence Engineer | Python | ML | DL | BI | POWERBI |TABLEAU
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    Scatter plots are crucial for detecting trends or patterns in data. For example a linear trend can indicate a direct proportional relationship between variables, whereas a curved pattern might imply a more complex interaction. Identifying these trends assists in guiding further analysis nd in creating models that accurately represent the data's underlying behavior.

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  • Murari jha
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    1. Scatter plots show how two things are related by plotting points on a graph.2. They help us see if the relationship is positive (both go up), negative (one goes up while the other goes down), or if there's no clear pattern.3. Scatter plots also reveal patterns like groups or clusters of points, which can show different categories or trends in the data, helping with predictions and planning.4. Trends in scatter plots reveal historical patterns that can predict future outcomes, which is crucial for predictive analytics and forecasting.

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3 Spotting Outliers

One of the most immediate benefits of scatter plots is the ability to spot outliers, which are points that fall far outside the general spread of data. These outliers may represent anomalies that warrant further investigation or errors in data collection. Identifying outliers can help you clean your data set for more accurate analysis or alert you to important phenomena that could lead to new insights.

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  • Nitish Kumar Thakur Sr. Quantitative Analytics Specialist @ Wells Fargo | Data Scientist | Machine Learning Engineer | Statistics | Analytics | Python | SQL | R
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    Scatter plots can help identify both univariate and bivariate outliers.Univariate Outliers:These are points which take extreme values along either of the axes. Mathematically, such outliers can be detected using box-plots of the 2 variables.Bivariate Outliers:These are points on the scatter plot which take an unusual combination of values (x1, x2) on the plot. This can happen even though neither feature takes extreme values. Mathematically these can be identified using Isolation forests, etc.

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4 Data Density

Scatter plots can also provide information about the density of data points. Areas with a high concentration of points might indicate common scenarios or popular ranges within the variables. Conversely, areas with few points can highlight less common or extreme values. Understanding where data points cluster can inform decisions on areas of focus for further analysis or business strategies.

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5 Distribution Details

The distribution of points in a scatter plot can reveal much about the spread and range of your data. For instance, if points are tightly packed in a bell-shaped distribution, this might suggest a normal distribution, which is common in many natural and social phenomena. On the other hand, a skewed distribution where points taper off to one side could indicate that the data is not evenly distributed, leading to different considerations for analysis and interpretation.

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  • Swapan Ghosh Consultant
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    Oh, the scatter plot! That glorious mess of dots, each a beacon of statistical enlightenment. Stare deeply into the chaotic splatter of points, and you shall uncover the secrets of the universe—or at least, the secrets of an analyst’s attempt to find meaning in randomness.Behold the mighty positive correlation, where dots march upward together in perfect harmony; synchronized by an unseen force. This, dear reader, surely means that eating more chocolate leads to higher IQs. No? Well, it might as well, for in the land of scatter plots, any pattern is fair game for wild conclusions.Next, the negative correlation, where dots plunge downward in a tragic ballet. No matter! The scatter plot reveals all, even if it reveals nothing at all.

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6 Predictive Power

Finally, scatter plots can be instrumental in predictive analytics. By examining the patterns and fitting a regression line, you can make predictions about one variable based on the value of another. This capability is particularly valuable in fields like finance and marketing, where forecasting future trends based on historical data can provide a competitive edge. Understanding the predictive power of your data through scatter plots can guide strategic planning and proactive decision-making.

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  • Iurii Chistiakov Senior Data Analyst | HR Analyst | 7+ years of experience | Driving business success through data-driven decision-making reporting
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    However, getting the choice of data and variables right is essential. You can plot a scatter plot of weather and exchange rates and see a correlation, but that doesn't mean there is one, that these events are related, and that you can make predictions. First of all, it is essential to select potentially related variables and use critical thinking.

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    What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (108) What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (109) 2

    • Report contribution

    Using a scatter plot, visualization of the regression line or line of best fit is more easy. Especially for linear regression. In multiple linear regression analysis, the scatter plot matrix plays an important role.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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  • Nilesh Angane Senior Technology Advisor | Data Storytelling | Data Analytics | Data Viz | Cloud | Gen AI | Machine Learning | Power BI | Qlik | Tableau
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    Scatter plots reveal some awesome insights. You should look for:- Clouds/Lines: Show positive (upward) or negative (downward) relationships between variables.- Clusters: Hint at groupings or categories within your data.- Outliers: Single points far from the pack, indicating anomalies that might need investigation.- Random Spreads: Suggest little to no relationship between the variables.

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  • Uttara Shankar, PhD Microalgae | Mass-spectrometry | Scientific writing
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    Scatter plots are widely used as they clearly provide correlation between variables, trend analysis and also detection of outliers. And, therefore scatter plots although quite common are robust for data visualization.

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    What insights can you gain from the pattern of points in scatter plots? (135) 1

    • Report contribution

    Ideally, 40 or more sample size gives an accurate scatter plot for understanding the relationship between two continuous variables.

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