Question

Although we don't consciously think of patterns in relationships, we know they exist. Create a new thread in the discussion area for this activity. List a positive, negative, and zero correlation situation. For each correlation, explain your reasoning. Also, give a suggestion as to who might be interested in this trend.

Answer 1

A positive correlation is a relationship between two variables in which both variables move in the same direction. Therefore, when one variable increases as the other variable increases, or one variable decreases while the other decreases. An example of positive correlation would be height and weight. Taller people tend to be heavier.

A negative correlation is a relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other. An example of negative correlation would be height above sea level and temperature. As you climb the mountain (increase in height) it gets colder (decrease in temperature).

A zero correlation exists when there is no relationship between two variables. For example there is no relationship between the amount of tea drunk and level of intelligence.