Question

which best describes the association between variables x and y?

weak negative
strong positive
strong negative
weak positive

Explanation:

Step1: Understand positive and negative association

In a scatter - plot, if as \(x\) increases \(y\) generally increases, it is a positive association. If as \(x\) increases \(y\) generally decreases, it is a negative association. Here, looking at the scatter - plot, there is no clear decreasing trend (so not negative).

Step2: Determine the strength of positive association

For a strong positive association, the data points would be closely clustered around an imaginary line with a positive slope. For a weak positive association, the data points are more spread out. In the given scatter - plot, the data points are not closely clustered around a line.

Answer:

weak positive