To construct a scatterplot correctly, it's important to identify which variable is independent (manipulated or controlled) and which is dependent (measured or observed). Here's an analysis of each statement you provided:
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"When analyzing the number of junk e-mails received each day of the week, the number of junk e-mails is the independent variable."
- Incorrect. The independent variable would typically be the day of the week, as you are observing how the number of junk emails varies with different days.
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"When analyzing the number of cups of hot tea that are sold during days with varying average temperatures, temperature is the dependent variable."
- Incorrect. The dependent variable is the number of cups of tea sold, as it changes based on the average temperature.
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"When analyzing shoe size according to height, shoe size is the independent variable."
- Incorrect. In this scenario, height is the independent variable, as you would expect shoe size to vary in relation to height.
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"When analyzing the number of boys who participate in volleyball each year for several years, the number of boys who participate in volleyball is the dependent variable."
- Correct. Here, the number of boys participating in volleyball depends on the year, making it the dependent variable while the year serves as the independent variable.
The correct option is the one that states the number of boys participating in volleyball is the dependent variable.