§-Quick questions
NSWMaths Standard 2Year 12: Statistical Analysis
Quick questions on Scatterplots and bivariate data for HSC Maths Standard 2
3short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are outliers?Show answer
An outlier is a point that lies far from the bulk of the data, well away from the pattern the other points form. Outliers matter because they can drag the correlation coefficient and the least-squares line a long way. A single odd point can distort the whole analysis.
What is correlation does not imply causation?Show answer
A strong positive correlation between and does not prove that causes . A third variable (a hidden factor that affects both) may drive them, or the link may be coincidence. Standard 2 expects you to flag this whenever a worded question invites a causal claim. Use cautious language ("is associated with", "tends to") unless the question hands you an actual mechanism.
What is wrong axis assignment?Show answer
Independent variable on , dependent on . Mixing this up changes the interpretation.
Have a question we have not covered?
This dot-point answer is short enough that we have not extracted many short questions yet. Read the full dot-point answer or ask Mo, our study assistant, in the chat for follow ups.