For the scatter diagram shown here, which of the following best describes the relationship between the two variables if the points form a pattern that slopes upward from left to right?

• A. There is a negative correlation between the two variables.
• B. There is no correlation between the two variables.
• C. There is a positive correlation between the two variables.
• D. The correlation is perfect and negative.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what a scatter diagram represents: it is a graphical display of the relationship between two variables, where each point corresponds to paired values of these variables.
2. Observe the pattern formed by the points in the scatter diagram. If the points tend to rise from the left side to the right side, this indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase.
3. Recall the definition of correlation: it measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. A positive correlation means both variables increase together, while a negative correlation means one increases as the other decreases.
4. Since the points slope upward from left to right, this pattern suggests a positive correlation between the two variables.
5. Note that the correlation is not necessarily perfect unless the points lie exactly on a straight line. Therefore, the best description is that there is a positive correlation between the two variables.