A scatterplot of two quantitative variables shows points tightly clustered around a downward-sloping line from left to right. Which statement best describes the correlation shown?

• A. No correlation
• B. Weak negative correlation
• C. Strong negative correlation
• D. Strong positive correlation

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a scatterplot represents. It shows the relationship between two quantitative variables by plotting data points on a coordinate plane.
2. Step 2: Identify the pattern of the points. If points are tightly clustered around a line, it indicates a strong linear relationship between the variables.
3. Step 3: Determine the direction of the relationship. A downward-sloping line from left to right means that as one variable increases, the other decreases, indicating a negative relationship.
4. Step 4: Combine the strength and direction. Since the points are tightly clustered (strong) and the slope is downward (negative), the correlation is strong negative.
5. Step 5: Recall the correlation terminology: 'No correlation' means no pattern, 'weak negative' means loosely scattered downward trend, 'strong positive' means tightly clustered upward trend, so the best description here is 'strong negative correlation'.