Use scatter plots or the Durbin-Watson statistic to detect the presence of serial correlation.

Scatter plots can be used to detect serial correlation. A scatter plot displays points on a graph that show the relationship between two variables. If the points on the graph form a distinct pattern or line, then there is a correlation between the two variables. This indicates that there is serial correlation present. The Durbin-Watson statistic can also be used to detect the presence of serial correlation. The Durbin-Watson statistic is a statistic that measures the autocorrelation between the residuals of a regression model. It ranges from 0 to 4 and a value close to 2 indicates that serial correlation is not present. A value close to 0 or 4 indicates that there is serial correlation present.