# Dependent variable plots

Dependent variable plots show the values of the dependent variables selected in your active Analysis profile, on a time line. Dependent variables are displayed in different ways depending on their type (see the picture below):

▪States like In zone: colored bars indicating the state’s duration.

▪Point events like Rotation: vertical segments indicating the event’s occurrence, with no duration.

▪Continuous variables like Velocity: values are plotted as a time series, with one value per sample time,

Procedure

To plot a dependent variable:

1.Define the variable. Calculate statistics: procedure.

2.See Plot integrated data.

Scope of the Dependent variable plot

When the trial includes more than one arena or subject, the plot’s header indicates which arena and the subject it refers to.

Why use Dependent variable plots?

Use Dependent variable plots are especially useful:

▪To check whether you set correct thresholds for state variables like Body elongation, Movement, Mobility and Activity.

a) Open your analysis profile, double-click the variable's name and enter your best estimate for the thresholds.

b) Plot integrated data. Play back your data, watch the video and check whether the states shown in the plot correspond with the states of the animals in the video.

If necessary, repeat steps a and b.

▪To check that you have scored behaviors manually at a good level of accuracy.

a) In your Analysis profile, select the manually scored behaviors you want to check.

b) Plot integrated data. Play back your data, watch the video and check whether the states shown in the plot correspond with the behavior of the animals in the video.

If necessary, export the data to The Observer XT, where you can correct the errors.

▪To view the behaviors of Behavior Recognition together with their probability values. This helps when you want to refine the definition of those behaviors based on their probability value.

▪To check whether your Trial Control Settings do what you want them to do. You can visualize Trial Control events and Trial Control states. For more information about Trial Control, see the EthoVision XT 19 - Trial and Hardware Control - Reference Manual.