Which scenario illustrates a negative correlation in a survey result?

Which scenario illustrates a negative correlation in a survey result?

• A. When LDL levels increase, the rate of heart disease increases
• B. When folic acid intake increases prior to pregnancy, the incidence of neural tube defects declines
• C. When a person becomes more obese, their LDL levels likely rise
• D. As the intake of peanut butter and potato chips increases, dental caries increase

Answer: (B)

The scenario that illustrates a negative correlation is one where an increase in one variable corresponds to a decrease in another variable. In the case of folic acid intake prior to pregnancy and the incidence of neural tube defects, an increase in folic acid intake is statistically associated with a decline in neural tube defects. This indicates a negative correlation; as one variable (folic acid intake) increases, the other variable (incidence of neural tube defects) decreases, suggesting that higher intake of folic acid is beneficial in preventing these defects. This relationship highlights the importance of proper nutrition and dietary choices in influencing health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The negative correlation underscores the protective role that adequate folic acid levels can have against specific birth defects, emphasizing the value of nutritional interventions in public health strategies. In contrast, other scenarios described involve positive correlations where increases in one variable are associated with increases in another, such as increased LDL levels with heart disease, obesity with rising LDL levels, or increased intake of certain foods leading to more dental caries. These relationships show a direct association rather than the inverse relationship seen in the correct answer.

The scenario that illustrates a negative correlation is one where an increase in one variable corresponds to a decrease in another variable. In the case of folic acid intake prior to pregnancy and the incidence of neural tube defects, an increase in folic acid intake is statistically associated with a decline in neural tube defects. This indicates a negative correlation; as one variable (folic acid intake) increases, the other variable (incidence of neural tube defects) decreases, suggesting that higher intake of folic acid is beneficial in preventing these defects.

This relationship highlights the importance of proper nutrition and dietary choices in influencing health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The negative correlation underscores the protective role that adequate folic acid levels can have against specific birth defects, emphasizing the value of nutritional interventions in public health strategies.

In contrast, other scenarios described involve positive correlations where increases in one variable are associated with increases in another, such as increased LDL levels with heart disease, obesity with rising LDL levels, or increased intake of certain foods leading to more dental caries. These relationships show a direct association rather than the inverse relationship seen in the correct answer.