how is a relationship determined when looking at a scatterplot?

Brief Explanations:

Examine the pattern of points. If points form an upward - sloping pattern, positive relationship. Downward - sloping is negative. Random points mean no linear relationship. Look at how closely points cluster around a line or curve to gauge strength.

Answer:

Examine the pattern (upward/downward - sloping or random) and the clustering of points to determine the type (positive, negative, or none) and strength of the relationship.