Education Technology

Describing Bivariate Data (Two Quantitative Variables)

Subject Area
Math: Statistics: Inferential Statistics
Level
9-12
Activity Time
60 Minutes
Software
TI Connect™
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Other Materials
This is Activity 2 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
Statistics Handbook for the TI-83

Resource Types
Lessons

Describing Bivariate Data (Two Quantitative Variables)

Activity Overview

Students explore the relationship between two quantitative variables in bivariate data using various x-y plots. They compare the relationships for several categories on the same plot. Students calculate the correlation coefficient to measure the strength and direction of the linear relationship that might exist between two variables.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 23 - 26 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Enter the distance versus time World Track records data for men and women (bivariate data) as a lists
  • Graph data as a scatter plot with each gender indicated by a different mark
  • Observe the linear relationship


  • Enter the automobile horsepower versus mileage data as lists
  • Graph the data as a scatter plot
  • Observe the inverse relationship
  • Determine the correlation coefficient


  • Graph building data versus year of completion data as a scatter plot
  • Note that the scatter is not linear and the correlation coefficient value is low


  • Graph the Olympic Marathon year versus time data as a x-y plot
  • Observe the time taken to run the marathon is decreasing


  • Use the given sample means UCL, center line, and LCL data, plot a x-bar control chart
  • After the Activity

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary
  • Subject Area
    Math: Statistics: Inferential Statistics
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    60 Minutes
    Software
    TI Connect™
    TI Calculator
    TI-84 series
    Other Materials
    This is Activity 2 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Statistics Handbook for the TI-83

    Resource Types
    Lessons
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