Chapter 4: Problem 21
The points on a scatterplot lie very close to a straight line. The correlation between \(x\) and \(y\) is close to (a) \(-1 .\) (b) \(1 .\) (c) either \(-1\) or 1 , we can't say which.
Short Answer
Expert verified
(c) either -1 or 1, we can't say which.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Correlation
Correlation measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. Its value ranges from -1 to 1. A correlation close to 1 indicates a strong positive linear relationship, while a correlation close to -1 signifies a strong negative linear relationship.
02
Analyzing the Scatterplot Description
The problem states that the points on the scatterplot lie very close to a straight line. This implies a very strong linear relationship between the variables, indicating that the correlation is close to either 1 or -1.
03
Determining Sign of Correlation
Since the scatterplot points are close to a straight line but the specific direction (positive or negative slope) isn't specified, we cannot definitively determine if the correlation is exactly -1 or 1. Both are possible depending on the slope of the line.
04
Selecting an Answer
Given that both options -1 and 1 represent points lying close to a straight line, and the direction of the line isn't provided, the most accurate answer is (c) either \(-1\) or 1, we can't say which.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Scatterplot
A scatterplot is a type of graph used in statistics to represent the relationship between two numerical variables. Each point on the scatterplot corresponds to a pair of values from the dataset. By plotting these on the graph, we can visually assess any potential patterns or relationships between the variables.
When we look at a scatterplot, we're trying to determine if there's any noticeable trend or pattern in how the points are distributed:
When we look at a scatterplot, we're trying to determine if there's any noticeable trend or pattern in how the points are distributed:
- If the points show a rising trend from left to right, it might indicate a positive relationship.
- Conversely, if they fall, it might indicate a negative relationship.
- If the points don't follow any clear pattern, this suggests no strong relationship.
Linear Relationship
In statistics, a linear relationship between two variables is one where the value of one variable generally increases or decreases in direct proportion to the other. Imagine plotting a straight line on a graph — this line represents the direction of the relationship.
To determine if a linear relationship exists, look for certain characteristics in the scatterplot:
To determine if a linear relationship exists, look for certain characteristics in the scatterplot:
- A straight line pattern suggests a linear relationship.
- The line can either slope upward (positive linear relationship) or downward (negative linear relationship).
Strength of Correlation
The strength of a correlation tells us how closely the data points in a scatterplot follow a linear pattern. This is quantitatively measured by the correlation coefficient, represented by the symbol "r," which ranges from -1 to 1.
Let’s break down what different correlation values mean:
Let’s break down what different correlation values mean:
- r = 1: Perfect positive correlation, where all points lie exactly on a line with a positive slope.
- r = -1: Perfect negative correlation, where all points lie exactly on a line with a negative slope.
- r = 0: No linear correlation, suggesting randomness with no discernible linear trend.
- 0 < r < 1: Positive correlation, with varying degrees of linearity.
- -1 < r < 0: Negative correlation, with varying degrees of linearity.