Question

Paul records data that indicate that the number of hot chocolates sold at the concession stand increases as temperature outside decreases (for example, more hot chocolates are purchased during late fall than late spring) Which of the following statements is the most accurate depiction of this finding? A. There is a correlation between the two variables. B. There is a strong, positive correlation between the two variables. C. There is a weak, positive correlation between the two variables. D. There is a negative correlation between the two variables.

Answer 1

Answer:

d) There is a negative correlation between the two variables.

Explanation:

A correlation refers to the fact that two variables fluctuate together.

A correlation can be positive or negative:

• A positive correlation between two variables means that they fluctuate in parallel (both increase or both decrease)
• A negative correlation between two variables means that they fluctuate in opposite ways (one increases and other decreases)

In this example, the number of hot chocolates increases as temperature outside decreases. The variables that are correlated are the temperature and the number of hot chocolates sold.

Since one of the variables increases while the other decreases, we can conclude that there is a negative correlation between the two variables.