☼ AP STATISTICS 🔎 Chapter 7 Video on Describing Bivariate Data

Name: __________________________

1. Which axis represents the explanatory variable and which axis represents the response variable? How can I
remember how to differentiate between them?
In a scatterplot, the x-axis represents the explanatory variable (what we use to explain),
and the y-axis represents the response variable (what we're trying to understand or
predict based on the explanatory variable). Remember, x explains y.

2. When describing scatterplots we use the acronym FUDS. What does each letter represent? Comment on each.
F Describes the overall shape of the scatterplot. It helps us determine if the relationship is linear or non-linear.

U Identifies any data points that seem unexpected or out of the ordinary. These points may require further investigation.

D Indicates whether the relationship between the variables is positive (as one variable increases, the other also increases) or negative (as
one variable increases, the other decreases).
S Describes how closely the data points cluster around a line. A strong relationship means the data points are closely aligned, while a weak
relationship indicates more scatter.
3. FUDS for Temp vs # Chirp:
Form: Linear, as the scatterplot shows a clear straight-line pattern.
Unusual Points: None mentioned in the explanation.
Direction: Positive, as an increase in temperature is associated with an increase in the number of chirps.
Strength: Strong, as the data points closely follow the linear trend.

4. FUDS for Approval Rating versus Margin of Error:

Form: Mostly linear, with some scattering.
Unusual Points: One point (representing Nixon) is mentioned as potentially unusual, with a low margin of error given his approval rating.
Direction: Positive, indicating that higher approval ratings tend to be associated with smaller margins of error.
Strength: Moderately strong, as the data points follow a general linear trend, but with some variability.
 5. FUDS for Percent of States where People Eat Five Servings of Vegetables versus Percent of People who Smoke:
Form: Weak, as there is no clear linear pattern. The data points are scattered.
Unusual Points: None mentioned in the explanation.
Direction: Negative, indicating that as the percentage of people who eat five servings of vegetables increases, the percentage of
people who smoke tends to decrease.
Strength: Weak, as the data points do not follow a clear linear trend.

6. What is a lurking variable? Give an example.

A lurking variable is a hidden factor that's not explicitly considered in the analysis but can
influence the relationship between the studied variables. It may introduce a misleading
association between the explanatory and response variables.

7. For each of the following, decide which variable is the explanatory variable and which is the response variable. Draw a possible scatterplot of
what each would look like.

A B C D E

Drug dosage vs. pain Calories consumed per Shoe size vs. GPA Age of a car vs. cost of a Time for 100-yard dash
relief day vs. weight loss car vs. age

Explanatory Variable: Explanatory Variable: Explanatory Variable:

Explanatory Variable:
Drug dosage (x-axis).
Response Variable: Pain
relief (y-axis).
Calories consumed per
day (x-axis).
Response Variable:
Weight loss (y-axis).
Shoe size (x-axis).
Response Variable: GPA
(y-axis).
Age of a car (x-axis).
Response Variable:
Cost of a car (y-axis).
Explanatory Variable:
Age (x-axis).
Response Variable:
Time for 100-yard dash
(y-axis).