what is correct answer?

Question

For the description​ below, state the correlation clearly.​ (For example, state that​ "there is a positive correlation between variable A and variable​ B.") Then state whether the correlation is most likely due to​ coincidence, a common underlying​ cause, or a direct cause. Explain your answer.

It has been found that as gas prices​ increase, the distances vehicles are driven tend to get shorter.

What is the​ correlation?

A.

There is strong positive correlation between gas prices and the distances vehicles are driven.

B.

There is negative correlation between gas prices and the distances vehicles are driven.

C.

There is no correlation between gas prices and the distances vehicles are driven.

D.

There is weak positive correlation between gas prices and the distances vehicles are driven.

Answer 1

Correlation explains the linear relationship between 2 or more variables. If the correlation were positive, an increase in one variable would mean the other variable also increases. When the correlation is negative, one variable would decrease while the other increases. In cases of no correlation, there won't appear to be a linear relationship.

For example, let's look at height and weight of a person. If we looked at a group of people, the taller a person is, they will likely weight more. This is an example of a strong positive correlation.

In the gas problem above, people are probably driving less because of the increase in gas. Since gas is increasing, and driving distance is decreasing, this would be an example of negative correlation.