A researcher has two continuous variables (IV and DV) that are ranked. She uses the Spearman correlation to analyze her data. She describes the relation between the IV and the DV as positive and monotonic. This means that:
A) There is a linear relation between the two variables
B) There is no relation between the two variables
C) As one variable increases, the other variable increases, but not necessarily by the same amount
D) As one variable increases, the other variable increases in a directly proportional fashion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A Spearman correlation means that the researcher is analyzing the relationship between two ranked variables. A positive and monotonic relationship indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable increases as well, but not necessarily by the same amount. This does not necessarily mean that the relationship is linear or directly proportional, so options A and D are not correct. Option B, stating that there is no relationship between the two variables, is also incorrect as the researcher has described a positive and monotonic relationship.

A Researcher Has Two Continuous Variables (IV and DV) That