Question

match each scatterplot shown below with one of the four specified correlations. a. 0.17 b. -0.26 c. 0.62 d. -0.86

Explanation:

Step1: Understand correlation values

Positive correlation means as one variable increases, the other tends to increase. Negative correlation means as one variable increases, the other tends to decrease. The closer the correlation value is to 1 or - 1, the stronger the linear relationship. Values close to 0 mean weak linear relationship.

Step2: Analyze scatter - plots

For the first scatter - plot, the points are somewhat scattered but show a very weak positive trend. A correlation of 0.17 (a) is appropriate as it indicates a weak positive linear relationship.
For the second scatter - plot, the points show a weak negative trend. A correlation of - 0.26 (b) is suitable as it represents a weak negative linear relationship.
For the third scatter - plot, the points show a stronger positive trend compared to the first one. A correlation of 0.62 (c) is a good fit as it indicates a moderate positive linear relationship.
For the fourth scatter - plot, the points show a strong negative linear trend. A correlation of - 0.86 (d) is appropriate as it represents a strong negative linear relationship.

Answer:

First scatter - plot: a. 0.17
Second scatter - plot: b. - 0.26
Third scatter - plot: c. 0.62
Fourth scatter - plot: d. - 0.86