5752 Core Academic Skills for Educators — Praxis Core Reading 5743

1. The scatterplot above shows the age, in years, and the annual salary, in thousands of dollars, of a number of people in a survey. Based on the scatterplot, which of the following statements best describes the relationship between age and annual salary?

Answer: B

Explanation:

There is a positive linear correlation between age and annual salary.

The scatterplot indicates that as age increases, annual salary also tends to increase, demonstrating a positive linear correlation between the two variables.

A) There is no linear correlation between age and annual salary.

This option is incorrect because the scatterplot shows a clear trend where higher ages correspond to higher salaries, indicating a relationship rather than a lack of correlation.

B) There is a positive linear correlation between age and annual salary.

This option is correct as the scatterplot illustrates that as individuals age, their annual salary increases, reflecting a positive linear correlation between the two variables.

C) There is a negative linear correlation between age and annual salary.

This statement is incorrect because a negative correlation would imply that as age increases, salary decreases. The scatterplot clearly shows the opposite trend.

D) A lower age causes a smaller annual salary.

While this option suggests a relationship, it is misleading as it implies causation rather than correlation. The scatterplot indicates correlation without establishing that lower age directly causes lower salary.

Conclusion

The correct answer is B, as the scatterplot clearly demonstrates a positive linear correlation between age and annual salary. All other options either misinterpret the correlation or incorrectly suggest a lack of relationship, thereby failing to accurately represent the data shown in the scatterplot.