Short Answer

A psychology student is creating an APA-style scatterplot to show the test-retest reliability of a self-esteem scale administered to the same group of students on two occasions one week apart. Apply the conventions of APA-style scatterplots to determine: (1) which occasion's scores are plotted on the xx-axis, (2) which occasion's scores are plotted on the yy-axis, and (3) whether the axes should differ in physical length.

Question: A psychology student is creating an APA-style scatterplot to show the test-retest reliability of a self-esteem scale administered to the same group of students on two occasions one week apart. Apply the conventions of APA-style scatterplots to determine: (1) which occasion's scores are plotted on the xx-axis, (2) which occasion's scores are plotted on the yy-axis, and (3) whether the axes should differ in physical length.

Sample answer: The first set of self-esteem scores (from the first occasion) must be plotted on the xx-axis, while the second set of scores (from the second occasion) is plotted on the yy-axis. Because these variables are conceptually identical and use the same numerical scale, the axes should not differ in physical length; they must be drawn to the same length.

Key points:

  • First set of scores is plotted on the xx-axis.
  • Second set of scores is plotted on the yy-axis.
  • Both axes must be drawn to the same length (no difference in length).

Feedback: Correct responses should apply the rule that the first set of scores goes on the xx-axis, the second set goes on the yy-axis, and both axes must be drawn to the same length since the variables are conceptually identical and use the same numerical scale.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-27

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related