Given a scatterplot showing a strong positive linear relationship between $hours$ studied and $exam$ scores, the table best supports which of the following conclusions?

• A. Students who study more $hours$ tend to achieve higher $exam$ scores.
• B. $Exam$ scores decrease as $hours$ studied increase.
• C. Students who study fewer $hours$ always get higher $exam$ scores.
• D. There is no relationship between $hours$ studied and $exam$ scores.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the meaning of a strong positive linear relationship in a scatterplot. This indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase as well.
2. Step 2: Identify the variables involved: 'hours studied' is the independent variable (x-axis), and 'exam scores' is the dependent variable (y-axis).
3. Step 3: Interpret the direction of the relationship. A positive linear relationship means that higher values of hours studied correspond to higher exam scores.
4. Step 4: Evaluate each conclusion option against this interpretation: - 'Students who study more hours tend to achieve higher exam scores' aligns with a strong positive linear relationship. - 'Exam scores decrease as hours studied increase' contradicts the positive relationship. - 'Students who study fewer hours always get higher exam scores' contradicts the positive trend and uses 'always,' which is too strong. - 'There is no relationship between hours studied and exam scores' contradicts the presence of a strong positive linear relationship.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best-supported statement by the scatterplot is that students who study more hours tend to achieve higher exam scores, reflecting the positive linear association.