Exploring Data in Two Dimensions

Example: Create a Scatter Plot

In this section you create a scatter plot of the wind_kts and min_pressure variables of the Hurricanes data set. The wind_kts variable is the wind speed in knots; the min_pressure variable is the minimum central pressure for each observation.

The min_pressure variable has a few missing values; those observations are not included in the scatter plot.

To create a scatter plot:

  1. Open the Hurricanes data set.

  2. Select GraphScatter Plot from the main menu, as shown in Figure 6.6.

    Figure 6.6: Selecting a Scatter Plot

    Selecting a Scatter Plot

    The Scatter Plot dialog box appears. (See Figure 6.7.)

  3. Select the variable wind_kts, and click Set Y.

  4. Select the variable min_pressure, and click Set X.

  5. Click OK.

    Figure 6.7: The Scatter Plot Dialog Box

    The Scatter Plot Dialog Box

    A scatter plot appears (Figure 6.8) that shows the bivariate data. The plot shows a strong negative correlation ($\rho = -0.93$) between wind speed and pressure. The plot also shows that most, although not all, wind speeds are rounded to the nearest 5 knots.

Figure 6.8: A Scatter Plot

A Scatter Plot

You can click any observation marker to select the observation. You can click while holding down the CTRL key to select multiple observations. You can draw a selection rectangle to select a group of observations.