scatter diagram

scatter diagram
A diagram depicting the relation between two characteristics of a number of subjects, which may be individuals, firms, or countries. Each point marked on the diagram shows an observation of the two characteristics, for example age and the income of individuals, measured on the two axes. This is often helpful in suggesting whether it is likely to be possible to find any significant statistical relation between the two characteristics, and what type of function it is worth trying to fit. It also draws attention to any outlying observations which may merit special investigation.