The dotplot below shows the number of books read in a month by students in a college class. Find the most and least frequent number of books read.
Table of contents
- 1. Intro to Stats and Collecting Data55m
- 2. Describing Data with Tables and Graphs1h 55m
- 3. Describing Data Numerically1h 45m
- 4. Probability2h 16m
- 5. Binomial Distribution & Discrete Random Variables2h 33m
- 6. Normal Distribution and Continuous Random Variables1h 38m
- 7. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Mean1h 53m
- 8. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Proportion1h 12m
- 9. Hypothesis Testing for One Sample2h 19m
- 10. Hypothesis Testing for Two Samples3h 22m
- 11. Correlation1h 6m
- 12. Regression1h 4m
- 13. Chi-Square Tests & Goodness of Fit1h 20m
- 14. ANOVA1h 0m
2. Describing Data with Tables and Graphs
Dot Plots
Problem 2.R.11
Textbook Question
The heights (in feet) and the number of stories of the ten tallest buildings in New York City are listed. Use a scatter plot to display the data. Describe any patterns. (Source: Emporis)


1
Step 1: Organize the data into two variables: 'Height in feet' and 'Number of stories'. These will serve as the x-axis and y-axis for the scatter plot, respectively.
Step 2: Create a scatter plot by plotting each pair of values (height, stories) as a point on a Cartesian plane. For example, the first point would be (1776, 104), the second point (1550, 95), and so on.
Step 3: Label the axes of the scatter plot. The x-axis should represent 'Height in feet', and the y-axis should represent 'Number of stories'. Include appropriate units for clarity.
Step 4: Analyze the scatter plot for patterns. Look for trends such as whether taller buildings tend to have more stories, or if there are any outliers that deviate significantly from the general trend.
Step 5: Summarize the observed patterns. For example, you might note whether there is a positive correlation between height and the number of stories, or if the relationship appears non-linear or inconsistent.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Scatter Plot
A scatter plot is a graphical representation that uses dots to display values for two different variables. In this case, the heights of buildings are plotted on one axis and the number of stories on the other. This visualization helps identify relationships or patterns between the two variables, such as whether taller buildings tend to have more stories.
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Correlation
Correlation refers to the statistical relationship between two variables, indicating how one may change in relation to the other. In the context of the scatter plot, a positive correlation would suggest that as the height of a building increases, the number of stories also increases, while a negative correlation would indicate the opposite. Understanding correlation is essential for interpreting the patterns observed in the data.
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Descriptive Statistics
Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the main features of a dataset. This includes measures such as mean, median, and range, which provide insights into the central tendency and variability of the data. In analyzing the scatter plot, descriptive statistics can help quantify the relationship between building height and the number of stories, aiding in a more comprehensive understanding of the data.
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