A researcher measures driving distance from college and weekly cost of gas for a group of commuting college students. What kind of correlation is likely to be obtained for these two variables?

The correct answer is: a positive correlation.

Explanation:

Correlation can say something about the relationship between variables. It is used to understand:

1. If the relationship is positive or negative

2. The strength of the relationship.

Correlation is a powerful tool that provides vital pieces of information.

In the case of family income and family spending, it is easy to see that both rise or fall together in the same direction. This is called a positive correlation.

In the case of price and demand, the change occurs in the opposite direction, so that the increase in one is accompanied by a decrease in the other. This is known as a negative correlation.

positive correlation

Explanation:

In statistics, positive correlation between two variables means that both variables will move in the same direction. For example, if one variable decreases, the other one should decrease also.

In this case, the researcher is measuring two variables:

I can definitely assure you even without taking any measurements, that the more you drive, the more you spend on gas. The two variables are extremely positively correlated.