Which of the following best describes what it means for two variables to be positively associated?

• A. Both variables always have the same value.
• B. There is no consistent relationship between the two variables.
• C. As one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase as well.
• D. As one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of association between two variables: it describes how the values of one variable relate to the values of another variable.
2. Recognize that a positive association means that when one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase as well, indicating a direct relationship.
3. Note that 'both variables always have the same value' is too strict and not required for positive association; variables can increase together without being equal.
4. Identify that 'no consistent relationship' means there is no association, so it does not describe a positive association.
5. Understand that 'as one variable increases, the other tends to decrease' describes a negative association, which is the opposite of a positive association.