Which of the following describes a negative correlation between two variables?

Which of the following describes a negative correlation between two variables?

• A. As one variable increases, the other increases
• B. As one variable decreases, the other remains unchanged
• C. As one variable increases, the other decreases
• D. The variables do not have any relationship

Answer: (C)

A negative correlation between two variables indicates that when one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. This concept reflects an inverse relationship between the two variables being examined. For instance, if we consider a scenario where the temperature rises, it may lead to a decrease in the amount of heating required in a household, demonstrating how one variable's increase (temperature) correlates negatively with another's (heating usage). In a negative correlation, the two variables move in opposite directions, which is a crucial aspect of understanding how one factor can influence another in various fields, including psychology, economics, and the natural sciences. Recognizing this relationship helps researchers identify patterns and establish predictive relationships between different phenomena, which is vital for both theory development and practical applications.

A negative correlation between two variables indicates that when one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. This concept reflects an inverse relationship between the two variables being examined. For instance, if we consider a scenario where the temperature rises, it may lead to a decrease in the amount of heating required in a household, demonstrating how one variable's increase (temperature) correlates negatively with another's (heating usage).

In a negative correlation, the two variables move in opposite directions, which is a crucial aspect of understanding how one factor can influence another in various fields, including psychology, economics, and the natural sciences. Recognizing this relationship helps researchers identify patterns and establish predictive relationships between different phenomena, which is vital for both theory development and practical applications.