Question

Which relationships could have a negative correlation? Check all that apply. number of hours on video games and test scores speed of a car and minimum stopping distance average running speed and total race time adult’s head circumference and age outside temperature and amount of a heating bill

Answer 1

number of hours on video games and test scores? Negative correlation (more hours playing less hours studying)

speed of a car and minimum stopping distance? Positive correlation (the higher the speed the bigger the stopping distance)

average running speed and total race time? Negative correlation (higher speed less time)

adult’s head circumference and age? Not correlation

outside temperature and amount of a heating bill? Negative correlation (higher temperature less heating used)

Answer 2

The correct answers are:

number of hours on video games and test scores; average running speed and total race time; and outside temperature and amount of a heating bill.

Explanation:

A negative correlation is one in which as the independent variable increases, the dependent variable decreases.

As a student spends more hours on a video game, they have fewer hours to study, which would in turn lead to a lower score on the test.

As a runner's speed increases, the amount of time it takes him or her to finish the race will decrease.

As the outside temperature increases, there will be less need for indoor heat, which means the heating bill will decrease.