BIVARIATE DATA

Bivariate data is data on each of

two variables, where each value of one of the variables is
paired with a value of the other variable.Typically it would
be of interest to investigate the possible association
between the two variables. The association can be
studied via a tabular or graphical display, or via sample
statistics which might be used for inference. The method
used to investigate the association would depend on
the level of measurement of the variable.
For two quantitative variables (ordinal,
interval, or ratio in level of measurement) a scatterplot
can be used and a correlation
coefficient or regression model can be used to quantify
the association. For two qualitative variables (nominal or
ordinal in level of measurement ) a contingency table can
be used to view the data, and a measure of association
or a test of independence could be used.
If the variables are quantitative, the pairs of
values of these two variables are often represented as
individual points in a plane using a scatter plot. This is
done so that the relationship between the variables is
easily seen. For example, bivariate data on a scatter plot
could be used to study the relationship between stride
length and length of legs.
In some instances of bivariate data, it is
determined that one variable influences or determines the
second variable, and the terms dependent and
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independent variables are used to distinguish between
the two types of variables. In the above example, the
length of a person's legs is the independent variable. The
stride length is determined by the length of a person's
legs, so it is the dependent variable. Having long legs
increases stride length, but increasing stride length will
not increase the length of your legs.
Correlations between the two variables are
determined as strong or weak correlations and are rated
on a scale of –1 to 1, where 1 is a perfect direct
correlation, –1 is a perfect inverse correlation, and 0 is no
correlation. In the case of long legs and long strides, there
would be a strong direct correlation,

DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT VARIABLE-

In mathematical modeling, statistical
modeling and experimental sciences, the values
of dependent variables depend on the values
of independent variables. The dependent variables
represent the output or outcome whose variation is being
studied. The independent variables, also known in a
statistical context as regressors, represent inputs or
causes, that is, potential reasons for variation. In an
experiment, any variable that the experimenter
manipulates can be called an independent variable.
Models and experiments test the effects that the
independent variables have on the dependent variables.
Sometimes, even if their influence is not of direct interest,
independent variables may be included for other reasons,
such as to account for their potential confounding effect.
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Examples
 Effect of fertilizer on plant growth-
In a study measuring the influence of different
quantities of fertilizer on plant growth, the
independent variable would be the amount of
fertilizer used. The dependent variable would be the
growth in height or mass of the plant. The controlled
variables would be the type of plant, the type of
fertilizer, the amount of sunlight the plant gets, the
size of the pots, etc.
 Effect of drug dosage on symptom severity-
In a study of how different doses of a drug affect the
severity of symptoms, a researcher could compare
the frequency and intensity of symptoms when
different doses are administered. Here the
independent variable is the dose and the dependent
variable is the frequency/intensity of symptoms.
 Effect of temperature on pigmentation-
In measuring the amount of color removed from
beetroot samples at different temperatures,
temperature is the independent variable and amount
of pigment removed is the dependent variable.

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