Which of the following best describes what it means for two variables to be positively associated?

• A. The two variables move independently of each other.
• B. As one variable increases, the other variable decreases.
• C. Both variables always have the same numerical value.
• D. As one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of association between two variables: it describes how the values of one variable relate to the values of another variable.
2. Recognize that a positive association means that when one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase as well.
3. Contrast this with a negative association, where an increase in one variable corresponds to a decrease in the other variable.
4. Note that independence means the variables do not affect each other’s values, so their movements are unrelated.
5. Conclude that the best description of a positive association is: 'As one variable increases, the other variable also increases.'