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A random sample of teenagers filled out a survey on their height and weight which shows that the shorter a person is, the less s/he weighs and the taller a person is, the more s/he weighs. This situation descrbes a:

a. strong negative correlation.
b. a zero correlation.
c. strong positive correlation.
d. perfect positive correlation.

User MHX
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Final answer:

The observed relationship between height and weight, where taller individuals generally weigh more, describes a strong positive correlation. This means variables move together in the same direction. The correct option in the context of this scenario is (c) strong positive correlation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question presents a scenario where there is an observed relationship between height and weight among a group of teenagers. In statistics, the term correlation refers to the degree to which two variables move in relation to each other. When analyzing the relationship between height and weight in the scenario provided, we note that as height increases, weight tends to increase as well. This pattern describes a strong positive correlation, where the variables move together in the same direction. A strong negative correlation, on the other hand, would mean that as one variable increases, the other decreases. Zero correlation indicates no relationship, and a perfect positive correlation would mean the relationship is so consistent that knowing one variable's value would allow you to perfectly predict the other's value.

Based on the descriptions and examples from the provided information, the most accurate selection would be a strong positive correlation. This is because, generally, taller individuals will have more body mass resulting in greater weight, and shorter individuals will have less body mass leading to lower weight. This is not a perfect relationship due to individual variances, such as a very tall yet slim individual or a shorter individual who is overweight. However, the overall trend supports a strong positive correlation between height and weight.

In conclusion, when faced with the options provided, we would choose only one option, which would be (c) strong positive correlation. This selection is supported by the general pattern that as the height of an individual increases, typically their weight also increases.

User Peduxe
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