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

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a scatter diagram (or scatter plot) visually displays the relationship between two variables by plotting data points on a coordinate plane.
2. Observe the pattern formed by the points: if the points tend to rise from left to right, it suggests that as one variable increases, the other variable also increases.
3. Recall that when two variables increase together in a linear fashion, this is called a positive linear correlation.
4. Contrast this with a negative linear correlation, where points would fall from left to right, indicating one variable increases while the other decreases.
5. Recognize that if the points show no clear pattern or trend, it indicates no correlation, and if the points lie exactly on a straight line, the correlation is perfect (positive or negative depending on the slope).