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According to the APA Publication Manual, what are the technical layout guidelines regarding graph dimensions, variable placement on axes, direction of numerical increases, and starting values for the axes in scatterplots, bar graphs, and line graphs?

Question: According to the APA Publication Manual, what are the technical layout guidelines regarding graph dimensions, variable placement on axes, direction of numerical increases, and starting values for the axes in scatterplots, bar graphs, and line graphs?

Sample answer: According to the APA Publication Manual, scatterplots, bar graphs, and line graphs should generally be constructed to be slightly wider than they are tall. The independent variable must be plotted on the xx-axis, and the dependent variable on the yy-axis. Numerical values must increase from left to right on the xx-axis and from bottom to top on the yy-axis. Finally, both axes must strictly begin at the value of zero.

Key points:

  • Graphs (scatterplots, bar, line) must be slightly wider than they are tall.
  • The independent variable is on the xx-axis, and the dependent variable is on the yy-axis.
  • Values must increase from left to right on the xx-axis and from bottom to top on the yy-axis.
  • Both axes must strictly begin at the value of zero.

Rubric: The answer should be evaluated based on the accurate recall of the four main layout components: 1) graph dimensions (slightly wider than tall), 2) axis assignments (independent variable on xx-axis, dependent on yy-axis), 3) orientation of numerical values (increasing left-to-right and bottom-to-top), and 4) starting value (both axes starting at zero).

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Updated 2026-05-27

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KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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