Which of the following describes a negative correlation in terms of variable relationships?

A negative correlation refers to a relationship between two variables in which one variable increases while the other decreases. This type of relationship indicates an inverse association between the two variables. In practical terms, when one variable experiences a rise in value, the other variable tends to fall, demonstrating how they negatively impact each other’s values.

For example, consider a scenario involving time spent on social media and grades in school. If a student spends more time on social media (an increase in one variable), it may result in a decrease in their grades (a decrease in the other variable), illustrating a negative correlation.

The other options describe different types of relationships: the first describes a positive correlation, where both variables increase together, the third suggests independence without any correlation, and the fourth implies no impact of one variable on the other, all of which do not represent a negative correlation. Thus, the option highlighting that as one variable decreases, the other increases accurately encapsulates the essence of a negative correlation.