Which type of correlation implies that variables can vary in opposite directions?

The concept of correlation refers to the relationship between two variables and how they move in relation to each other. In the context of correlation, a negative correlation specifically indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. This opposite directional movement is a defining characteristic of negative correlation.

For example, consider the relationship between the amount of time spent studying and the number of mistakes made on a test. If this relationship is negatively correlated, it suggests that as study time increases, the number of mistakes decreases, reflecting an inverse relationship.

In contrast, a positive correlation indicates that both variables move in the same direction; as one variable increases, the other also increases. Zero correlation means there is no relationship at all between the variables, while strong correlation refers to the degree of association without specifying the direction (positive or negative). Therefore, identifying a negative correlation is key for understanding how two variables can move in opposite directions.