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2018

Why scatter plots suggest causality, and what we can do about it

Bergstrom, Carl T., West, Jevin D.

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Understand

Scatter plots carry an implicit if subtle message about causality.

Whether we look at functions of one variable in pure mathematics, plots of experimental measurements as a function of the experimental conditions, or scatter plots of predictor and response variables, the value plotted on the vertical axis is by convention assumed to be determined or influenced by the value on the horizontal axis.
This is a problem for the public understanding of scientific results and perhaps also for professional scientists' interpretations of scatter plots.
To avoid suggesting a causal relationship between the x and y values in a scatter plot, we propose a new type of data visualization, the diamond plot.

Why scatter plots suggest causality, and what we can do about it · Around

Built on

Differential and Integral Calculus by Clyde Elton Love
Clyde Elton Love · 1916
Earlier work this paper cites.
The dissociation constants of arginine
Andrew Hunter and Henry Borsook · 1924
Earlier work this paper cites.
Graphs in statistical analysis
F. J. Anscombe · 1973
Earlier work this paper cites.
The visual display of quantitative information, 1983
Edward Tufte · 1983
Earlier work this paper cites.

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