Graphs and Variables (Independent/Dependent, Scatterplots, Bar Charts, Histograms)

Flashcards covering the key terms and concepts from Page 1 notes on independent/dependent variables, variable types, axes, scatterplots, bar charts, and histograms.

What is the independent variable?

The variable deliberately changed or manipulated by the experimenter to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

What is the dependent variable?

The variable measured or observed to assess the effect of the independent variable.

What are discrete variables?

Variables that take a countable number of distinct values (e.g., categories or whole numbers).

What are continuous variables?

Variables that can take an unlimited number of values within a range (e.g., height, temperature).

Which axis is vertical and which is horizontal on a graph?

Vertical axis = y-axis; Horizontal axis = x-axis.

Which variables go on the x-axis and y-axis?

X-axis typically shows the independent variable (or categories); Y-axis shows the dependent or numeric values (counts, measurements).

Why do scientists use scatterplots?

To explore relationships between two quantitative variables, identify correlations, trends, outliers, and patterns.

What does the slope in a scatterplot indicate?

The rate of change of the dependent variable per unit change in the independent variable; direction and strength of the relationship.

What type of variable is graphed on the x- and y-axes of a bar chart?

X-axis displays categories (discrete groups); Y-axis displays a numeric value (counts, proportions, or measurements).

Why are histograms useful for scientists?

They show the distribution of a continuous variable, including shape, spread, central tendency, skewness, and outliers.

What is a scatterplot?

A graph that plots pairs of numerical values to visualize relationships between two variables.