Q. Illustrate Linear Correlation?

Ans.

In bivariate studies we are often interested in finding out whether there is a relationship between two sets of data. Are SAT scores related to a student's success in their first year of college?

Scattergrams can be used to study these relationships. Normally the independent variable (SAT scores) is on the x-axis and the dependent variable (success in college) is measured on the y-axis.

If there seems to be a relationship between the two variables, they might be correlated. Here are a few images to help you understand the meaning of positive and negative correlation.

We say that data is positively correlated if when x increases there is an increase in the y variable as well. Data is negatively correlated if when x increases, the y variable shows a decrease in values. If the values of x and y follow a straight-line path, then there is a linear correlation.