Time series plots: trend, seasonality, irregular fluctuations and outliers

What this note covers

1. What a time series is, and why the plot comes first
2. Constructing the plot correctly
3. Trend: the long-term direction
4. Seasonality: systematic, calendar-related movement
5. Irregular fluctuations and outliers
6. A systematic description: the four-part checklist
7. How the description drives the rest of the topic
8. How this is examined in the WACE ATAR course examination

8 sections · 12 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes