Scatter Diagrams

Scatter Diagrams Definition

• Scatter diagrams show the relationship between two sets of variables. By looking at the diagram you can see whether there is a link between variables. Where there is a link it is called correlation. 
• The scatter diagram graphs pairs of numerical data, with one variable on each axis, to look for a relationship between them. If the variables are correlated, the points will fall along a line or curve. The better the correlation, the tighter the points will hug the line.

Fig:-Scatter Diagram

When to Use a Scatter Diagram

• When you have paired numerical data.
• When your dependent variable may have multiple values for each value of your independent variable.
• When trying to determine whether the two variables are related, such as…
• When trying to identify potential root causes of problems.
• After brainstorming causes and effects using a fishbone diagram, to determine objectively whether a particular cause and effect are related.
• When determining whether two effects that appear to be related both occur with the same cause.
• When testing for autocorrelation before constructing a control chart.