Professor Williams is investigating loneliness. Participants in her study complete the UCLA Loneliness Scale to measure their levels of loneliness. They also answer questions on a survey about many aspects of their personal lives. In analyzing the results of her study, Professor Williams finds that as the number of friends increases, the level of loneliness tends to decrease. This represents a _____ correlation.
A) positive
B) negative
C) spurious
D) cause-and-effect

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A negative correlation occurs when one variable increases while the other decreases, which is the case here with the number of friends and levels of loneliness.

Professor Williams Is Investigating Loneliness