Which phrase best describes the correlation shown in this scatterplot? heart disease deaths 300 250 200 150 100 1 2 4 5 6 3 wine consumed O Absence of any correlation O Strong inverse correlation O Weak positive correlation O Moderate inverse correlation
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is “Strong inverse correlation.”
Explanation:
- Understanding the Data:
The scatterplot shows the relationship between two variables:- Heart disease deaths (measured in numbers).
- Wine consumption (measured in an unspecified unit).
- Analyzing the Plot:
- In this scatterplot, as wine consumption increases (moving from 1 to 6 on the x-axis), the number of heart disease deaths decreases (from higher values like 300 to lower values like 100).
- The points appear tightly clustered along a downward-sloping trend, indicating a strong negative (inverse) relationship.
- Correlation Strength:
The strength of a correlation is determined by how closely the data points align with a trend line:- Strong correlation: Points are tightly clustered around a clear trend line.
- Moderate correlation: Points are somewhat scattered but still show a noticeable trend.
- Weak correlation: Points are highly scattered with little apparent trend.
- Impact of Wine Consumption on Heart Disease:
While the scatterplot suggests an inverse relationship, correlation does not imply causation. The observed trend could be influenced by other factors like diet, lifestyle, or genetics. Wine consumption might only be one of many factors contributing to lower heart disease deaths. - Conclusion:
Among the options provided, “Strong inverse correlation” best describes the observed relationship because of the clear, consistent decrease in heart disease deaths as wine consumption increases, with minimal scatter in the data points.