A positive correlation is present when

A positive correlation is present when (a) two variables move in opposite directions.

(b) two variables move in the same direction

(c) one variable goes up and one goes down

(d) several variables never change.

✅ Correct option: (b) two variables move in the same direction

Explanation:

A positive correlation exists when two variables increase or decrease together. This means that as one variable increases, the other also increases, and as one decreases, the other also decreases. For example, there is often a positive correlation between study time and academic achievement—when study time increases, achievement tends to increase as well. Positive correlation is represented by a positive correlation coefficient (r > 0), which ranges from 0 to +1. A value closer to +1 indicates a strong positive relationship, while a value closer to 0 indicates a weak relationship. It is important to note that correlation does not imply causation. Even if two variables move in the same direction, one does not necessarily cause the other. Positive correlations are commonly analyzed using scatterplots, where data points slope upward from left to right. Options (a) and (c) describe negative correlation, where variables move in opposite directions. Option (d) is incorrect because correlation involves variability, not constancy. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b).

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Positive correlation means variables move together Correlation coefficient ranges from -1 to +1 r > 0 indicates positive correlation Scatterplots show correlation visually Correlation does not imply causation Pearson’s r measures correlation Strong correlation is close to +1 Weak correlation is near 0 Used in educational and psychological research Correlation studies relationships, not causes