Visualising Data with Scatterplots

To improve your experience using IBM SPSS Statistics, the Version 1 SPSS experts have created various Tech Tips. This Tech Tip provides an overview of how to run scatter plots in IBM SPSS Statistics.

Scatter plots are valuable tools for visualizing relationships between two continuous variables. They help analysts quickly spot patterns, trends, clusters, outliers, and the direction or strength of correlations in the data. By mapping two continuous variables against each other, scatter plots make it easy to see multiple variables together, points that cluster together, outliers, linearity, and the strength and direction of relationships between continuous variables.

Scatter plots visually show how two variables relate. Analysts can:

• Identify Patterns and Trends: Scatter plots can be used to observe the strength and direction of relationships, identify clusters of points, or note the distribution of the data that may not be apparent from raw data alone.
• Locate Outliers: Outliers can be seen in scatter plots, which can inform analysis and model development.
• Examine Relationships: Scatter plots provide information on whether relationships between variables are linear, non-linear, or complex, offering an overview of variable associations.

Creating Scatter Plots in IBM SPSS Statistics

Users can create scatter plots through the Graphs menu. The Chart Builder and the Graphboard Template Chooser are both available for this purpose and are the easiest to use.

1. Using the Chart Builder:
   • Access the Chart Builder through the Graphs menu.
   • Click on the Gallery tab, select Scatter / Dot type, drag the Scatter Plot icon into the Chart Preview area, and assign variables to the graph.
2. Using the Graphboard Template Chooser:
   • Access the Graphboard Template Chooser through the Graphs menu.
   • Identify the variables of interest and receive chart options based on your selection.
   • Within the dialog box, select scale variables, presenting a variety of graphs, including the Scatterplot Matrix.
   • After choosing a graph, select OK to generate the scatterplot.

The resulting scatter plots display relationships between variables, providing valuable insights for data analysis. Analysts can interpret scatter plots by:

• Observing Patterns and Trends: Look for clusters, trends, and the overall distribution of data points.
• Identifying Outliers: Spot data points that deviate significantly from the rest of the data.
• Assessing Relationships: Determine if the relationship between variables is linear, non-linear, or more complex.

Additionally, users can export these graphs as needed

• Copying the Graph: Right-click on the graph and select Copy.
• Exporting the Graph: Right-click the graph or highlight it in the output list and choose the Export option.

This Tech Tip aims to enhance your data visualization capabilities in IBM SPSS Statistics by providing a straightforward guide to creating and utilizing scatter plots