Question 31

The outlier weakens the negative relationship between coffee and water consumption.

The presence of an outlier in data often disrupts the overall trend observed in the relationship between variables. In this case, the outlier weakens the negative relationship that might otherwise exist between coffee and water consumption.

A) It strengthens the positive relationship

This option is incorrect as an outlier typically does not strengthen a positive relationship. Instead, it may distort the correlation, especially if the outlier lies far from the established trend of positive correlation.

B) It strengthens the negative relationship

This option is also incorrect. An outlier can introduce anomalies that distort the negative correlation, rather than strengthening it. In fact, the presence of an outlier may lead to a scenario where the negative relationship appears weaker.

C) It weakens the negative relationship

This is the correct answer. An outlier can significantly alter the perceived strength of the relationship between coffee and water consumption by introducing extreme values that do not fit well with the general trend, thus weakening the negative correlation.

D) It weakens the positive relationship

While this option suggests a weakening effect, it is not applicable in this context as the focus is on the negative relationship between coffee and water consumption. Therefore, it does not accurately reflect the impact of an outlier on the specified relationship.

Conclusion

The correct answer indicates that an outlier weakens the negative relationship between coffee and water consumption. All other options either misinterpret the effect of the outlier or apply it to the wrong relationship, demonstrating that understanding the role of outliers is crucial in data analysis.