Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which tool can best illustrate how two variables influence each other?

1. Histogram

2. Check Sheet

3. Scatter Chart

4. Control Chart

The correct answer is: Scatter Chart

A scatter chart is the most effective tool to illustrate how two variables influence each other. It graphically displays data points on a two-dimensional axis, with each point representing an observation based on the values of two different variables. By plotting these data points, patterns and correlations can be easily identified—whether a positive, negative, or no correlation exists between the variables. This visual representation allows for a clearer understanding of relationships, trends, and potential causations that may not be immediately obvious through other methods. Other tools have different purposes; for instance, a histogram is used to show the distribution of a single variable, indicating how frequently each value occurs but not how it relates to another variable. A check sheet facilitates data collection and organization but does not visualize relationships between two variables. A control chart monitors process behavior over time, focusing on a single variable and its variations rather than the interaction between two distinct ones. Thus, for analyzing the relationship between two variables, the scatter chart stands out as the most suitable option.