What is the difference between a positive correlation and a negative correlation?
A)In a negative correlation high scores go with high scores and low with low; in a positive correlation high scores go with low scores and low with high.
B)In a negative correlation high scores go with low scores and low with high; in a positive correlation high scores go with high scores and low with low.
C)Negative correlations are curvilinear; positive correlations are straight lines.
D)Negative correlations represent a weak relationship; positive correlations represent a strong relationship.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a negative correlation, as one variable increases, the other decreases (high scores go with low scores, and vice versa). In a positive correlation, as one variable increases, the other also increases, and as one variable decreases, the other also decreases (high scores go with high scores, and low with low). Choice A is incorrect as it describes the opposite of what actually occurs in positive and negative correlations. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests that the linearity of the correlation determines its positivity or negativity, which is not true. Choice D is also incorrect as correlations can represent both weak and strong relationships, regardless of positivity or negativity.

What Is the Difference Between a Positive Correlation and a Negative