Which scatterplot shows the weakest negative linear correlation?

Question

On a graph, points are grouped closely together and increase.
On a graph, points are grouped closely together in a line and increase.
On a graph, points are grouped closely together and decrease.
On a graph, points are grouped closely together in a line and decrease.

Answer 1

To determine which scatterplot shows the weakest negative linear correlation, let’s analyze the descriptions:

1. Points are grouped closely together and increase: This indicates a strong positive correlation.

2. Points are grouped closely together in a line and increase: This suggests a very strong positive correlation, as the points are not just close, but also form a distinct line.

3. Points are grouped closely together and decrease: This indicates a strong negative correlation, as the points are closely clustered and show a decreasing trend.

4. Points are grouped closely together in a line and decrease: This indicates a very strong negative correlation, as the points form a clear line that decreases.

Given these analyses, the scatterplot that shows the weakest negative linear correlation would be the one where the points are grouped closely together and decrease. However, since there is another plot that has points closely gathered but clearly forms a line while decreasing (the last one), it actually reflects a stronger negative correlation.

Thus, among the given options, the scatterplot with points "grouped closely together" and "decreases" (option 3) would likely represent the weakest negative linear correlation compared to the one that is closely grouped and in a linear format while descending (option 4).