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This tool is used to:

This also helps determine if common sense assumptions hold up: for example, are there more inquiries about irrigation in a dry year? Or does the number of inquiries vary more with the price of corn? Scatter diagrams take matrix diagrams one step further by analyzing trends in relationships between variables. A scatter diagram can identify possible relationships between two vectors. It can also be used to pinpoint items that are not in line with the majority of items.

 


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If you want to go beyond this level of detail, use a statistical software package such as SPSS to further analyze your data. Keep in mind the limitations statistical analysis imposes.

 

  1. Plot one variable along the horizontal (x) axis and another variable along the vertical (y) axis.

     

  2. Collect data for these variables for each item you want to look at (alternatives, issues, publics, etc.).

     

  3. Plot data for each item on the graph.

The plotted points will usually form a clustered pattern. The direction and proximity of these points will indicate the strength and pattern of the relationship. Statistical tests can determine the exact degree of correlation.

 

 


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Note: These files were developed and were originally hosted at the Bureau of Reclamation, United States Department of the Interior.
Eastgate is hosting this as an archive. Contact Deena Larsen for further information.