Correlation and scatter diagrams
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) · Unit 9: Statistics · 9 flashcards
Correlation and scatter diagrams is topic 9.4 in the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) syllabus , positioned in Unit 9 — Statistics , alongside Data collection and display, Averages and measures of spread and Cumulative frequency and box plots. In one line: A scatter diagram (or scatter graph) is a visual representation of the relationship between two variables. It's used to determine if there is a correlation between them.
This topic is examined across Paper 1 (Core) or Paper 2 (Extended) — non-calculator — and Paper 3 (Core) or Paper 4 (Extended) — calculator.
The deck below contains 9 flashcards — 7 definitions, 1 key concept and 1 application card — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 7 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
A scatter diagram, and what is it used for
A scatter diagram (or scatter graph) is a visual representation of the relationship between two variables. It's used to determine if there is a correlation between them.
Questions this Correlation and scatter diagrams deck will help you answer
- › The number of ice creams sold at the beach and the temperature on the day show positive correlation. True or False? Explain.
- › Sketch a scatter diagram showing strong negative correlation.
What is a scatter diagram, and what is it used for?
A scatter diagram (or scatter graph) is a visual representation of the relationship between two variables. It's used to determine if there is a correlation between them.
Describe 'positive correlation' as it relates to a scatter diagram. Give an example.
Positive correlation means that as one variable increases, the other also tends to increase.
Describe 'negative correlation' as it relates to a scatter diagram. Give an example.
Negative correlation means that as one variable increases, the other tends to decrease.
What does it mean if a scatter diagram shows 'no correlation'?
If there's no correlation, there's no apparent relationship between the two variables. The points on the scatter diagram appear randomly scattered.
What is a 'line of best fit' on a scatter diagram, and what is its purpose?
The line of best fit is a straight line drawn through a scatter diagram that best represents the trend of the data. It's used to estimate values of one variable based on the other.
Explain 'interpolation' in the context of a line of best fit on a scatter diagram.
Interpolation is using the line of best fit to estimate a value *within* the range of the original data. It is generally considered a reliable estimate.
Explain 'extrapolation' in the context of a line of best fit on a scatter diagram.
Extrapolation is using the line of best fit to estimate a value *outside* the range of the original data. This is less reliable than interpolation.
The number of ice creams sold at the beach and the temperature on the day show positive correlation. True or False? Explain.
True. Warmer temperatures typically lead to higher ice cream sales, indicating a positive relationship between the two variables.
Sketch a scatter diagram showing strong negative correlation.
The scatter diagram should show points generally clustering around a line that slopes downwards from left to right. The tighter the points are to the line, the stronger the correlation.
Key Questions: Correlation and scatter diagrams
What is a scatter diagram, and what is it used for?
A scatter diagram (or scatter graph) is a visual representation of the relationship between two variables. It's used to determine if there is a correlation between them.
Describe 'positive correlation' as it relates to a scatter diagram. Give an example.
Positive correlation means that as one variable increases, the other also tends to increase.
Describe 'negative correlation' as it relates to a scatter diagram. Give an example.
Negative correlation means that as one variable increases, the other tends to decrease.
What does it mean if a scatter diagram shows 'no correlation'?
If there's no correlation, there's no apparent relationship between the two variables. The points on the scatter diagram appear randomly scattered.
What is a 'line of best fit' on a scatter diagram, and what is its purpose?
The line of best fit is a straight line drawn through a scatter diagram that best represents the trend of the data. It's used to estimate values of one variable based on the other.
Tips to avoid common mistakes in Correlation and scatter diagrams
- ● When reading a stem-and-leaf diagram, double-check how the stem and leaf combine to represent each data point.
- ● Double-check you've transferred *every* data point correctly, and that the 'stem' value (e.g. the '1' in '17') is included to represent the complete number.
- ● Take your time to digest the information presented, carefully define sets using Venn diagrams before trying to solve the problem.
More topics in Unit 9 — Statistics
Correlation and scatter diagrams sits alongside these Mathematics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 0580 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Key terms covered in this Correlation and scatter diagrams deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
Related Mathematics guides
Long-read articles that go beyond the deck — cover the whole subject's common mistakes, high-yield content and revision pacing.
How to study this Correlation and scatter diagrams deck
Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.
Study Mode
Space to flip • ←→ to navigate • Esc to close
You're on a roll!
You've viewed 10 topics today
Create a free account to unlock unlimited access to all revision notes, flashcards, and study materials.
You're all set!
Enjoy unlimited access to all study materials.
Something went wrong. Please try again.
What you'll get:
- Unlimited revision notes & flashcards
- Track your study progress
- No spam, just study updates