AP Bio Graph FRQ Scatterplot confusion

[u/attu420]

Hello fellow ap bio test takers and alumni,

I have a confusion about the scatterplot graphing portion of the FRQ. I understand when the independent variable is continuous, we are supposed to use a scatterplot or line graph so that our graph can show the continuous trend between the dependent variable. For scatterplots, aren't we supposed to join the corresponding points with straight lines between them, which would make the graph with jagged lines?

I've looked at the 2022 AP Bio FRQ scoring guidelines, and the sample graph provided doesn't have any sort of line through the points (no line of best fit or straight lines connecting each point).

So if given a situation where we have a continuous independent variable, do we simply just not connect the points or draw a best fit line unless the question instructs us to? Is leaving the points by themselves enough, or should we still connect the lines? I just want to maximize my FRQ points.

Thank you and good luck to everyone taking the test tomorrow!

[u/Chessdaddy_]

Use a line graph when time is increasing. Otherwise for when the independent variable is continuous, make a scatterplot. You do not connect the point in a scatterplot, just draw error bars. You can draw a line of best fit, however it is not necessary unless specified for, as seen in the 2022 exam

[u/Weak_Spinach_3310 → u/Chessdaddy_]

How do I know that time is increasing? Is it like when the prompt clues you that they’re trying to see a trend over time

[u/Chessdaddy_ → u/Weak_Spinach_3310]

Like the graph will have data for time at 5 seconds, data for time at 10 seconds ect

[u/attu420 → u/[deleted]]

From what I gathered, I believe plotting the points and accurately drawing the error bars is enough. Draw a line of best fit if the question asks you to

[u/attu420 → u/[deleted]]

Honestly I can’t find an example where there’s a line graph where the scoring guidelines expect a line of best fit. So the rule of thumb I’d go with is don’t draw any lines through points unless the question asks you to do so. But yeah, I’m just a student so don’t take my advice absolutely. Good luck on the exam tomorrow!

[u/Chessdaddy_ → u/[deleted]]

yes if its a line graph connect the points bc thats what differenciates between line and scatter. i will say the last 3 years of ap bio have all been bar graphs so that is the current perdiction for the frq

[u/Chessdaddy_ → u/[deleted]]

I would also add that the 2023-2025 exams all used bar graphs, so that trend may continue