Answer: Scatterplots can visually show the strength of the relationship between the variables (i.e., the “scatter” in the plot: the more concentrated the dots are along the line, the stronger the relationship); whether there is a positive or negative association between the variables (i.e., whether the slope is positive or negative); whether the data pattern is linear (straight) or nonlinear (curved); and whether unusual features such as outliers, clusters and gaps exist in the data sets!