What does the horizontal (X) axis of the line graph represent?

The horizontal (X) axis of a line graph typically represents the chronological progression of time periods. This axis is crucial for understanding how data points change over time, allowing for the visualization of trends, patterns, or fluctuations that correlate with specific time frames. By plotting time on the X axis, viewers can effectively interpret changes in the dependent variable on the Y axis in relation to when those changes occurred, facilitating a clear understanding of temporal relationships within the data.

This is essential in fields like integrated practice, where assessing the impact of interventions or changes in client circumstances over time can be critical for determining efficacy and guiding future practice. In this context, understanding the time progression helps practitioners evaluate whether trends are improving, declining, or remaining stable, enabling evidence-based decision-making based on longitudinal data.