An Economic Development Researcher Wants to Understand the Relationship Between

question 31

Essay

An economic development researcher wants to understand the relationship between the average monthly expenditure on utilities for households in a particular middle-class neighborhood and each of the following household variables: family size, approximate location of the household within the neighborhood, and indication of whether those surveyed owned or rented their home, gross annual income of the first household wage earner, gross annual income of the second household wage earner (if applicable), size of the monthly home mortgage or rent payment, and the total indebtedness (excluding the value of a home mortgage) of the household.
The correlation for each pairing of variables are shown in the table below:
Table of correlations
-Which of the variables have a positive linear relationship with the household's average monthly expenditure on utilities?

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Definitions:

Avoidance

A defense mechanism involving keeping away from stressful situations or distressing thoughts and feelings to minimize anxiety or discomfort.

Systematic Desensitization Therapy

A behavioral therapy technique designed to reduce phobic or anxiety responses through gradual exposure to the feared object or situation, combined with relaxation exercises.

Feared Stimuli

External objects or situations that provoke a strong fear response due to anxiety, phobias, or traumatic experiences.

In Vivo Exposure

A behavioral therapy technique that involves exposing the patient to the actual anxiety-producing stimuli, rather than imagining the scenario, to help overcome fears or undesirable behaviors.