Question

when analyzing a scatterplot with a cluster, why should outliers generally be excluded when interpreting the relationship of the variables?

Explanation:

Identify the impact of outliers on trend lines

$$ \text{Outliers can disproportionately pull the line of best fit toward themselves, distorting the true slope and correlation of the main cluster.} $$

Analyze the representation of the overall data pattern

$$ \text{Excluding outliers allows the analysis to focus on the general trend and strength of the relationship shared by the vast majority of the data points.} $$

Answer:

Outliers should generally be excluded when interpreting the relationship of variables because they can disproportionately distort the line of best fit, correlation coefficient, and overall trend, misrepresenting the true relationship shared by the main cluster of data.