Question

which statement describes a correlation between two variables?
○ correlated variables are dependent; how they change is predicted by change in a third unknown variable.
○ correlated variables demonstrate causality; change in the independent variable directs change in the dependent variable.
○ correlated variables are independent; how one varies does not have an effect on how the other varies.
○ correlated variables strongly imply their change is caused by a third, perhaps unknown, variable.
○ correlated variables are interdependent; as one varies so does the other in a predictable fashion.

Explanation:

Correlation refers to a statistical relationship where two variables change together in a predictable way. It does not imply causation (ruling out B and D), nor does it mean independence (ruling out C). Option A incorrectly attributes change to a third variable, while E accurately describes the interdependent, predictable variation characteristic of correlation.

Answer:

E. Correlated variables are interdependent; as one varies so does the other in a predictable fashion.