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