For the graph to represent your data most effectively, consider the following guidelines.
- The sample size should be less than approximately 50
- A dotplot is best when the sample size is less than approximately 50. If the sample size is 50 or greater, a dot may represent more than one observation. Consider using a boxplot or a histogram in addition to the dotplot so that you can more easily identify primary characteristics of the distribution.
- The sample data should be selected randomly
- In statistics, random samples are used to make generalizations, or inferences, about a population. If your data were not collected randomly, your results may not represent the population.