Question

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the variables on the scatter plot below?

A. negative correlation
B. no correlation
C. positive correlation
D. positive and negative correlation

Answer 1

A. negative correlation

Explanation:

Let two variables x and y, the correlation coefficient r measure to what degree the variables x and y are related.

--- If this coefficient is positive then the relationship will be positive. This means that even an increase in the variable x will produce an increase in the variable y. In the dispersion diagram the points will be grouped, simulating a line of positive slope.

--- If this coefficient is negative then the relation will be negative. This means that even an increase in the variable x will produce a decrease in the variable y. In the dispersion diagram the points will be grouped, simulating a negative slope line.

In the diagram shown it can be noted that as the variable x increases the variable y decreases.

Therefore it can be concluded that the correlation between x and y is negative. The correct option is option A