Which type of correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable also increases?

A positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable also increases. This type of relationship signifies a direct association between the two variables, meaning that there is a tendency for both to move in the same direction. For example, if we observe a positive correlation between hours studied and test scores, it suggests that more hours of studying are associated with higher test scores.

In contrast, a negative correlation represents a situation where one variable increases while the other variable decreases. An inverse correlation is another term often used interchangeably with negative correlation. Spurious correlation refers to a scenario where two variables appear to be related due to a third variable influencing both, rather than a direct connection between them, indicating a misleading relationship. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the behaviors and relationships between different variables in research and practical applications.