Can a Low Barometer Reading Be Used to Predict Maximum $$\begin{array} { c | c c c c c } \hline x & 1014 & 935 & 980 & 955 & 995 \\\hline y & 50 & 80 & 60 & 135 & 84 \\\hline\end{array}$$

question 15

Multiple Choice

Can a low barometer reading be used to predict maximum wind speed of an approaching tropical cyclone? Let x be the lowest pressure (in millibars) as a cyclone approaches, and let y be the maximum wind speed (in miles per hour) of the cyclone. Suppose a random sample of cyclones gave the following information. $$\begin{array} { c | c c c c c } \hline x & 1014 & 935 & 980 & 955 & 995 \\\hline y & 50 & 80 & 60 & 135 & 84 \\\hline\end{array}$$ Given that the value of r is -0.556, should y increase as x increases, does the value of r imply that y should tend to increase, decrease, or remain the same? Explain.

• A)Since r is zero, as x increases, y remains the same.
• B)Since r is negative, as x increases, y decreases.
• C)Since r is negative, as x increases, y increases.
• D)Since r is positive, as x increases, y increases.
• E)Since r is positive, as x increases, y decreases.

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Definitions:

Incremental Theorists

Individuals who believe that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, emphasizing growth and learning.

Fundamental Attribution Error

A bias in social psychology where individuals overestimate the role of dispositional factors and underestimate situational factors in explaining other people's behavior.

Dispositional Explanations

An approach to explaining behavior by attributing it to internal traits or personality factors of the individual.

Reformulated Learned Helplessness

A theory suggesting that individuals learn they have no control over unpleasant or harmful situations, which leads to passive and depressive responses, revised to include the role of cognitive factors.