What type of graph shows the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

The scatter diagram is designed specifically to illustrate the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. In a scatter diagram, points are plotted on a horizontal and vertical axis, each representing a variable. This type of graph allows for visual identification of patterns, trends, or correlations between the two variables, making it particularly useful in statistical analysis and research.

For example, if you were examining the relationship between the amount of study time (independent variable) and test scores (dependent variable), a scatter diagram would help you visualize how changes in study time might correlate with changes in test scores. If a pattern emerges—such as points clustering upward—it suggests a positive correlation.

In contrast, while a bar chart and a pie chart provide valuable information about quantities and proportions, they do not effectively demonstrate the relationship between two variables. A line graph can show relationships over time, typically with one variable dependent on the passage of time, but it may not represent the relationship between two different types of variables as flexibly as a scatter diagram does. Therefore, the scatter diagram is the most appropriate choice for representing the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable.