A researcher constructs a scatter plot and notices that it shows a linear trend such that scores on the X-axis increase as scores on the Y-axis decrease. The correlation coefficient that describes the relationship between X and Y should therefore be negative.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement correctly identifies that the scatter plot shows a negative/inverse relationship, which means that as X values increase, Y values decrease. The correlation coefficient measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables, and a negative correlation coefficient (r) indicates a negative/inverse relationship between X and Y. Therefore, the answer is A (True).

A Researcher Constructs a Scatter Plot and Notices That It