Skip to content

References for Scatterplots and Association

Curated resources to deepen your understanding of scatterplots, correlation, and bivariate relationships.

Wikipedia Articles

  1. Scatter plot - Wikipedia - Overview of scatterplot construction, interpretation, and common patterns including how to identify direction, form, and strength of associations.

  2. Correlation - Wikipedia - Explains the concept of statistical correlation, different types of correlation measures, and the important distinction between correlation and causation.

  3. Pearson correlation coefficient - Wikipedia - Detailed explanation of the correlation coefficient r, including its formula, properties, and interpretation guidelines for different values.

Textbooks

  1. The Practice of Statistics by Starnes, Tabor, Yates, and Moore - W.H. Freeman (2018) - Thorough treatment of scatterplots, correlation, and bivariate data analysis with AP exam-aligned examples and practice problems.

  2. Statistics in Action: Understanding a World of Data by Watkins, Scheaffer, and Cobb - Key Curriculum Press (2008) - Activity-based approach to learning about association between variables with hands-on data exploration.

Online Resources

  1. Correlation and Scatterplots - Khan Academy - Video tutorials explaining how to create and interpret scatterplots, calculate correlation, and understand the properties and limitations of r.

  2. Guess the Correlation Game - guessthecorrelation.com - Interactive game that helps students develop intuition for estimating correlation values by looking at scatterplots.

  3. NCTM Illuminations: Line of Best Fit - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics - Interactive applet allowing students to explore how data points affect the correlation coefficient and best-fit line.

  4. Spurious Correlations - tylervigen.com - Entertaining collection of absurd correlations demonstrating why correlation does not imply causation, perfect for classroom discussion.

  5. AP Statistics: Exploring Two-Variable Data - College Board - Official AP course materials and sample questions covering scatterplots, correlation, and their proper interpretation on the exam.