A line graph shows that the price of fresh oranges falls early in each year when the orange harvest in Florida is ready, then it rises late in the year when oranges from that year's harvest begin to run out. This is an example of
A) trend in a line graph.
B) erratic fluctuations in a line graph.
C) seasonal variation in a line graph.
D) confounding.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pattern described is a regular and predictable change that occurs in cycles, which is the definition of seasonal variation. Trends show general long-term changes, erratic fluctuations are unpredictable and irregular changes, and confounding occurs when an alternative variable affects the relationship between two other variables.

A Line Graph Shows That the Price of Fresh Oranges