What is a negative correlation?

A negative correlation refers to a statistical relationship between two variables where one variable increases while the other decreases. This means that as the value of one variable goes up, the value of the other variable tends to go down. This type of correlation is important in various fields, including music therapy, as it can help professionals understand how different factors might be inversely related. For instance, if a study finds a negative correlation between stress levels and music therapy sessions, it may suggest that increased participation in therapy is associated with lower stress levels.

The concept of negative correlation is distinct from the other options presented. When two variables are unrelated, they demonstrate no correlation, which means neither variable impacts the other. In contrast, positive correlation involves both variables increasing together, showing a direct relationship rather than an inverse one. The idea of interchangeable variables suggests that one can replace the other without affecting the outcome, which does not accurately depict the nature of correlation. Negative correlation specifically indicates an inverse relationship, making it a critical concept in understanding how variables interact within research and practice.