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The Scatter Plot…is the only graph used to display bivariate data
Which variable goes on which axis?
It depends on the variables and on the question.
The variable we want to predict is called the response variable. This is plotted on the y axis.
The variable we want to predict from is called the explanatory variable. This is plotted on the x axis.
Sometimes, but not always, the data may suggest that one of the variables can “explain” the other: this is called the explanatory variable. If this is the case this variable goes on the X axis.
If one variable cannot “explain” the other, we say the two variables are just associated.
If one of the variables is calories and the other variable “% fat content”, “% fat content” would be put on the X axis. Why?
If the data is gathered from an experiment, with one variable being controlled and measured, and the other variable’s response measured, the controlled variable goes on the X axis. Why?
If one of the variables is time, this always goes on the X axis, and the data is called a time series.
Sometimes it does not matter which variable goes on which axis.
Example:
Is there a relationship between the time a person can balance on their left leg with their eyes closed and the time a person can balance on their right leg with their eyes closed?
Whatever way round you decide to put the variables, you should explain why you put them the way you did.
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