Scatter graphs & correlation
AQA GCSE Maths revision on Scatter graphs & correlation. Aligned to the AQA GCSE Mathematics 8300 specification. This bank has 16 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 16)
-
Question 1
A scatter graph shows a high concentration of points moving from the bottom-left to the top-right. How is this correlation described?
- A) Positive correlation
- B) Negative correlation
- C) No correlation
- D) Zero correlation
Show answer
Answer: Positive correlation
A positive correlation indicates that as the value of the independent variable increases, the value of the dependent variable also increases. This is visually represented by an upward trend in the points from left to right.
-
Question 2
If a scatter graph shows points scattered completely randomly across the grid with no discernible pattern, what is the correlation?
- A) Weak positive
- B) Weak negative
- C) No correlation
- D) Perfect correlation
Show answer
Answer: No correlation
When there is no correlation, knowing the value of one variable gives you no information about the value of the other. The points do not follow any linear or non-linear trend.
-
Question 3
A student claims that because two variables on a scatter graph show a strong positive correlation, one variable must cause the other to change. What is the correct statistical term for this common misconception?
Show answer
Answer: Correlation does not imply causation
A correlation only shows a relationship or link between two variables. It does not prove that a change in one variable is the direct cause of a change in the other, as a third 'lurking' variable could be responsible for both.
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
13 more questions on Scatter graphs & correlation — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Maths spec.