When preparing a scatterplot, which variable is typically placed on the horizontal ($x$) axis?

• A. The response (dependent) variable
• B. The explanatory (independent) variable
• C. The variable with the smaller $standarddeviation$
• D. The variable with the larger $mean$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of variables in a scatterplot: the explanatory (independent) variable and the response (dependent) variable.
2. Recall that the explanatory variable is the one that is used to explain or predict changes in the response variable.
3. In a scatterplot, the explanatory variable is typically placed on the horizontal (x) axis because it serves as the input or predictor.
4. The response variable, which depends on the explanatory variable, is placed on the vertical (y) axis to show how it changes in response.
5. Therefore, when preparing a scatterplot, always place the explanatory (independent) variable on the x-axis and the response (dependent) variable on the y-axis.