91Ó°ÊÓ

p(rho) is a statistical parameter for the entire population, determining whether the variables are linearly correlated or not.

Linear correlation means variables change at a constant rate, and their relationship is denoted by straight line curve.

pindicates the magnitude of correlation in the variables' populations. It is between and .

If two variables are negatively correlated, pis between and $-1$

It means that the variables move in opposite direction, one variable Increase with other variable decrease and one variable decrease with other variable increase.

The smaller value $x$is related with the smaller values of $y$and the larger value of $x$is related with large value of $y$. If the variable $x$increased then variable $y$is also increased. As the other variables decreases as the first variable increases.

Thus, the appropriate word for the given blank is negatively.