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When do we present data as simple scatter plots?
When do we present data as simple scatter plots?
Scatter plots show the relationship between two numerical variables. One variable (typically the independent variable, which you control as the experimenter) is displayed along the horizontal X-axis, and the second variable (typically the dependent variable), is displayed along the vertical Y-axis. By plotting data points on a scatter plot, you can examine how one variable changes in response to changes in another. Sometimes it is useful to use lines to connect the scattered data points to help the reader more clearly see the relationship.
How do we create Simple Scatter Plots using Microsoft Excel?
How do we create Simple Scatter Plots using Microsoft Excel?
Watch this video overview about creating Simple Scatter Plots in Excel and follow the steps provided below
Watch this video overview about creating Simple Scatter Plots in Excel and follow the steps provided below
1) Create a summary table with the independent variable data (X-axis) in the left column and the dependent variable data (Y-axis) in the right column. In this example, researchers performed an experiment where they examined the relationship between egg mass (g) and yolk mass (g) in emu eggs.
2) Highlight the data for the two variables, including the titles. Then from the top menu select Insert > Chart, and select Scatter > 'Scatter' (no lines connecting the dots).
3) This should display a scatter graph with the correct values displayed on the y-axis and x-axis.
8) Now you need to edit the graph:
a. Axis Labels: Click on your graph to get back to the “Chart Design” tab. Go to the “Add Chart Element” icon on the left and drop down to “Axis Titles”. This will allow you to label your vertical (Y) and horizontal (X) axes.
b. Remove Automatic Graph Title: Click on the automatic title that was generated on your graph. Press 'delete' on your keyboard. (You don't want this title because you will write a figure caption in your Word document that contains a more informative title).
c. Remove Gridlines: Click on the automatic gridlines that were generated on your graph. Press 'delete' on your keyboard.
d. Remove Automatic Legend (if generated): Because you only have one set of data you do not need a legend. Click on the automatic legend that was generated on your graph. Press 'delete' on your keyboard.
9. You're almost done!
a. Increase Font size: Often times the font size for the axis titles and numbers are too small! Click on your graph, and click on Home on the top left menu. Then choose a larger font size from the drop-down menu. This will enlarge the font size of all text on your graph.
b. Once you are happy with the graph, click on the border to highlight it, then copy and paste into Word where you’ll finish it off with an appropriate caption.
Presenting scatter plots in text
Presenting scatter plots in text
When presenting simple scatter plots in text, you should ensure that the figure is appropriately labeled and that the font size is large enough to be readable.
You also need to add a figure number and a brief figure caption to introduce the data to your reader. Make sure it includes:
Your model organism for the experiment
Your independent variable, displayed on the X-axis
What you measured (dependent variable) displayed on the Y-axis
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