Learn Before
Explain why the researcher's plan to make the axes different lengths is incorrect according to APA-style scatterplot conventions, and explain how the axes should be drawn instead based on the characteristics of the variables.
Case context: A researcher is constructing an APA-style scatterplot to illustrate the relationship between students' self-esteem scores measured one week apart. The correlation between the first administration and the second administration is strong (). The researcher plans to draw the -axis significantly longer than the -axis because she wants to display more detailed tick marks along the horizontal timeline.
Question: Explain why the researcher's plan to make the axes different lengths is incorrect according to APA-style scatterplot conventions, and explain how the axes should be drawn instead based on the characteristics of the variables.
Sample answer: The researcher's plan is incorrect because the two variables—self-esteem scores measured at two time points—are conceptually identical and use the exact same numerical scale. According to APA-style scatterplot conventions, when variables are conceptually identical and share the same scale, both axes must be drawn to the same length. Therefore, both the -axis and the -axis should be drawn to equal lengths, rather than making the -axis longer.
Key points:
- The self-esteem variables are conceptually identical.
- Both variables use the same numerical scale.
- Both axes must be drawn to the exact same length.
- Drawing the axes to different lengths violates APA-style scatterplot conventions.
Rubric: The answer must explain that the variables are conceptually identical and use the same numerical scale, and therefore both axes must be drawn to the same length. It should note that drawing them to different lengths is incorrect.
0
1
Tags
KPU
Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
Related
In an APA-style scatterplot, why are both the x-axis and y-axis drawn to the same length when plotting two sets of self-esteem scores?
Match the following APA-style scatterplot conventions with the conceptual information they communicate to a reader when displaying test-retest data (such as self-esteem scores).
A researcher is creating an APA-style scatterplot to illustrate the test-retest reliability of a standardized 0–40 depression scale. Even though the variables on both axes are conceptually identical and use the same scale, the researcher should draw the x-axis longer than the y-axis to indicate that the first measurement occurred earlier in time.
A researcher is analyzing an APA-style scatterplot showing the test-retest reliability of a self-esteem scale over one week. Arrange the following steps of their visual and statistical analysis in the correct logical order, beginning with the verification of the graph's construction and ending with the final statistical summary.
In an APA-style scatterplot illustrating the relationship between two sets of self-esteem scores, what is the primary function of including a regression line?
Match the following visual conventions of an APA-style scatterplot with the specific conceptual information they communicate when illustrating test-retest reliability.
A researcher is critiquing the design of an APA-Style scatterplot depicting the test-retest reliability () of a self-esteem scale. To ensure the visual representation is valid when the variables and scales are conceptually identical, the researcher must verify that the -axis and -axis are drawn to _____ length.
A researcher administers the same anxiety questionnaire (scored 0–50) to 30 participants on two occasions one week apart and obtains r = +0.83. To display the results in an APA-style scatterplot, she plots Time 1 scores on the -axis and Time 2 scores on the -axis, draws both axes to the same length, and includes a regression line. This design correctly applies APA scatterplot conventions for test-retest data.
A student inspects an APA-style scatterplot of test-retest self-esteem scores and notices that the -axis spans 0–40 while the -axis spans 0–60, even though the same 0–40 scale was used at both time points. Analyzing this graph, the student correctly identifies that the -axis is drawn too _____ relative to the -axis, which compresses the data points vertically and misrepresents the apparent strength of the correlation.
A peer reviewer is critically evaluating whether an APA-style scatterplot of test-retest self-esteem scores is properly constructed. Arrange the following evaluative judgments in the logical order the reviewer should make them.
Based on the rules for creating an APA-style scatterplot when displaying two sets of scores that are conceptually identical and use the same numerical scale, state the requirement regarding the physical lengths of the -axis and -axis. Additionally, identify the visual element that can be added to the plot to summarize a strong relationship () between these scores.
Explain why the researcher's plan to make the axes different lengths is incorrect according to APA-style scatterplot conventions, and explain how the axes should be drawn instead based on the characteristics of the variables.
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 -axis, (2) which occasion's scores are plotted on the -axis, and (3) whether the axes should differ in physical length.