Correlational data are graphed using a scatter plot, also known as a scattergram or scatter diagram. In a scatter plot, one variable is plotted on the abscissa and the other on the ordinate. Each participant’s scores on both variables are indicated by a dot placed at the junction between those scores on the graph. This produces one dot, otherwise known as an XY coordinate, for each participant. The pattern of the dots gives a rough impression of the size and direction of the correlation. In fact, a line drawn through the dots, or line of best fit, helps estimate this. The closer the dots lie to a straight line, the stronger the correlation. Figure 5 illustrates several kinds of correlation. The scatter plot between college GPA (GPA) and high school GPA (HSAVG) shows a relatively strong direct (or positive) relationship. The scatter plot between college GPA (GPA) and the number of parties attended per semester (PARTIES) shows a relatively strong inverse (or negative) relationship. The scatter plot between college GPA (GPA) and a person’s height in inches (HEIGHT) shows no relationship at all!