If a scatterplot indicates a positive association, what would be the expected outcome for the correlation coefficient?

A scatterplot demonstrating a positive association indicates that, as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase. This relationship typically results in a correlation coefficient that is greater than zero. The correlation coefficient, often denoted as "r," quantitatively measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables.

When the correlation coefficient is positive, it indicates a direct relationship whereby higher values on one variable correspond to higher values on the other. The closer the correlation coefficient is to 1, the stronger this positive association becomes.

Choosing a correlation coefficient that is less than zero or equal to zero would not align with the observation of a positive association. Values below zero represent negative associations, where an increase in one variable would correspond to a decrease in another. A value of zero indicates no linear association at all. Thus, the positive correlation coefficient correctly reflects the nature of the relationship depicted in the scatterplot.