Question

which describes a correct way to construct a scatterplot? when analyzing shoe size according to height, shoe size is the independent variable. when analyzing the number of cups of hot tea that are sold during days with varying average temperatures, temperature is the dependent variable. when analyzing the number of junk e - mails received each day of the week, the number of junk e - mails is the independent variable. when analyzing the number of boys who participate in volleyball each year for several years, the number of boys who participate in volleyball is the dependent variable.

Explanation:

• Independent variable: A variable that is not affected by other variables. It is the variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment or study.
• Dependent variable: A variable that is affected by the independent variable. It is the variable that is measured or observed in an experiment or study.
• First option: Shoe size is not the independent variable when analyzing shoe size according to height. Height is the independent variable as it is the factor that may influence shoe size.
• Second option: Temperature is the independent variable when analyzing the number of cups of hot tea sold. The number of cups of hot tea sold (dependent variable) is likely to be affected by temperature (independent variable). This option is incorrect as it mislabels temperature as the dependent variable.
• Third option: The day of the week is the independent variable when analyzing the number of junk e - mails received. The number of junk e - mails (dependent variable) is likely to be affected by the day of the week (independent variable). This option is incorrect as it mislabels the number of junk e - mails as the independent variable.
• Fourth option: The year is the independent variable when analyzing the number of boys who participate in volleyball each year. The number of boys who participate in volleyball (dependent variable) is likely to be affected by the year (independent variable). This option correctly labels the number of boys who participate in volleyball as the dependent variable.

Answer:

When analyzing the number of boys who participate in volleyball each year for several years, the number of boys who participate in volleyball is the dependent variable.