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According to APA style guidelines for line graphs, state the two conditions under which a line graph should be utilized in research reporting. Additionally, describe what each plotted point represents and what statistical value the error bars on these points typically visualize.
Question: According to APA style guidelines for line graphs, state the two conditions under which a line graph should be utilized in research reporting. Additionally, describe what each plotted point represents and what statistical value the error bars on these points typically visualize.
Sample answer: A line graph should be utilized in research reporting when the independent variable on the -axis is measured continuously (such as time) or to display correlations between quantitative variables when the independent variable is organized into a small number of distinct levels. Each plotted point on the graph represents the mean score on the dependent variable for participants at a single level of the independent variable. The associated error bars visualize standard error.
Key points:
- The independent variable on the -axis is measured continuously (e.g., time).
- It displays correlations between quantitative variables with the independent variable organized into a small number of distinct levels.
- Each plotted point represents the mean score on the dependent variable for a single level of the independent variable.
- Error bars are included to visualize standard error.
Rubric:
- Correctly states that line graphs are used for continuous independent variables on the -axis (such as time). 2. Correctly states that they are used to display correlations between quantitative variables when the independent variable has a small number of distinct levels. 3. Identifies that each point represents the mean score on the dependent variable at a single level of the independent variable. 4. Explains that the error bars visualize standard error.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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