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Scatter Diagram PDF

The document describes the scatter diagram tool, which is used to test theories about relationships between variables before implementing changes. A scatter diagram visually plots paired data points to identify the strength of the relationship between a suspected cause and effect. Interpreting the width and tightness of the scatter can show if changes to one variable are likely to impact the other. The document provides examples of how to construct and interpret different patterns in a scatter diagram.

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MANJUNATH MUDIGOUDAR
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313 views

Scatter Diagram PDF

The document describes the scatter diagram tool, which is used to test theories about relationships between variables before implementing changes. A scatter diagram visually plots paired data points to identify the strength of the relationship between a suspected cause and effect. Interpreting the width and tightness of the scatter can show if changes to one variable are likely to impact the other. The document provides examples of how to construct and interpret different patterns in a scatter diagram.

Uploaded by

MANJUNATH MUDIGOUDAR
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Online library of Quality,

Service Improvement
and Redesign tools

Scatter diagram
(correlation)

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Scatter diagram (correlation)

What is it?
It is important to test a theory before changes are made to ensure you avoid quick fix
solutions to problems that you think you know the cause of (but don’t actually). A
scatter diagram can help you identify the true strength of the relationship between the
cause and effect of two variables and factors. This can help to ensure that you are
focusing improvement efforts on the true cause of a problem.
When to use it
You can use a scatter diagram to determine the significance and strength of a
relationship between two variables before making changes in practice. If the factors are
related, evaluate the relationship by visually interpreting the width and tightness of the
scatter.
How to use it
1. Using a data collection sheet, collect 50 or more samples of paired data (data
related to both variables). You must have two measurements for each observation
point or item – for example, if your theory is that there is a relationship between the
age of patients and the length of their recovery time, you would collect sets of
paired data relating to 50 or more patients ie the age of each patient and the length
of their recovery time.
2. Draw lines on the diagram representing the suspected causes on the x-axis
(horizontal) and the suspected effect on the y-axis (vertical). Determine the
measures and increments and label each line. In the example above, we suspect
that patient age has an impact on recovery time, so patient age would be shown on
the x-axis and recovery time on the y-axis.
3. Plot the results on the scatter diagram.
4. Interpret the results by visual interpretation, considering the width and tightness of
the scatter.

Quality, Service Improvement and Redesign Tools: Scatter diagram (correlation)


Example
You want to test the theory of a possible relationship between the age of a patient and
recovery time following an operation.
1. Collect the data
Figure 1: Data table

Patient Age Recovery time (days)


A 40 5
B 30 3
C 20 2
D 55 6
E 63 7

2. Produce the diagram


3. Plot the results
Figure 2: Plot results on diagram
Recovery time

9 Patient A’s results


8 Patient B’s results
7
6 Patient C’s results
5
4
3
2
1

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Patient age

Plot all of the paired measurements onto the scatter diagram. If data values are repeated
and fall on the same point, draw a circle around that point as many times as it is
repeated.

Quality, Service Improvement and Redesign Tools: Scatter diagram (correlation)


4. Interpret the results
The scatter diagram cannot prove a cause and effect relationship but it does suggest the
strength of a relationship between two variables. The stronger the relationship
suggested, the greater the likelihood that a change in one of the variables will affect a
change in the other.
The five diagrams below and overleaf show the various patterns that scatter diagrams
can have, together with explanations of how you would interpret each pattern.

Figure 3: A positive correlation


Recovery time

Recovery times are likely to increase as patient age


increases.

Patient age

Figure 4: A possible positive correlation


Recovery time

Other variables in addition to patient age may affect


recovery time.

Patient age

Figure 5: No correlation
Recovery time

There is no demonstrated connection between patient


age and recovery time.

Patient age

Figure 6: A possible negative correlation


Recovery time

Other variables in addition to patient age may affect


recovery time.

Patient age

Quality, Service Improvement and Redesign Tools: Scatter diagram (correlation)


Figure 7: A negative correlation
Recovery time

This diagram suggests that recovery time is likely to


decrease as patient age increases.

Patient age

What next?
If the scatter diagram shows an effect then you can confidently continue with your
improvement effort. If the results show no relationship, you could test another theory.
This way you have avoided jumping to conclusions and making changes that may make
matters worse.
A cautionary note: a scatter diagram shows patterns in data and can help you to
indicate the existence of a relationship, but the diagram may not confirm for sure that
there is a cause and effect relationship between the two variables as there may be other
factors that affect the variables tested.
Additional resources
George, ML, Maxey, J, Rowlands, DT and Upton, M (2005) The Lean Six Sigma Pocket
Toolbook: A Quick Reference Guide to Nearly 100 Tools for Improving Quality and
Speed: A Quick Reference Guide to 70 Tools for Improving Quality and Speed, McGraw Hill
Pande, P et al (2002) The Six Sigma Way Team Fieldbook, McGraw Hill

Written by the ACT Academy for their Quality, Service Improvement and Redesign suite of programmes.
Contact: [email protected]

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