What is a scatter plot?

A scatter plot is a type of graph that represents the relationship between two variables by plotting individual data points as dots on a two-dimensional axis. Each dot corresponds to one data pair, with the horizontal axis typically representing one variable and the vertical axis representing another. This visual representation helps identify correlations or trends between the variables, such as whether an increase in one variable tends to correspond to an increase or decrease in the other. The clarity of relationships illustrated by scatter plots makes them a valuable tool in statistics and data analysis for exploring potential associations or patterns.

In contrast, the other choices depict different types of charts or graphs. A progressive line chart illustrates trends over time but does not display individual data points or their relationships as scatter plots do. A pie chart shows the proportions of a whole divided into segments, which is not relevant to examining relationships between two variables. A bar graph compares quantities across different categories, which differs fundamentally from the aim of a scatter plot to showcase data points' relationships.