In a scatterplot from a psychology study, what does a negative correlation between two variables indicate?

• A. As one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease.
• B. There is no relationship between the variables, so the correlation is exactly 0.
• C. One variable causes the other variable to change in the opposite direction.
• D. As one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that correlation measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables.
2. Recall that a negative correlation means the two variables move in opposite directions: when one increases, the other tends to decrease.
3. Recognize that correlation does not imply causation, so a negative correlation does not mean one variable causes the other to change.
4. Eliminate options that suggest no relationship (correlation = 0) or that both variables increase together (positive correlation).
5. Conclude that the correct interpretation of a negative correlation is: as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease.