Which type of data is best visualized using a scatter plot, such as one showing the population $p$ of a town over several years?

• A. Qualitative data
• B. Quantitative data
• C. Categorical data
• D. Ordinal data

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the types of data: Qualitative (categorical) data represent categories or names without a numerical value, while Quantitative data represent numerical values that can be measured or counted.
2. Recognize that a scatter plot is used to display the relationship between two numerical variables, typically showing how one variable changes with respect to another.
3. Identify that the population of a town over several years involves numerical values (population counts) measured across different time points (years), both of which are quantitative variables.
4. Conclude that since scatter plots require numerical data to plot points on the x and y axes, quantitative data is the best type to visualize using a scatter plot.
5. Note that qualitative, categorical, or ordinal data are better visualized using bar charts, pie charts, or other categorical data visualizations rather than scatter plots.