Patterns_Directions+of+Association

When working with nominal-level variables, we may discuss the pattern of the relationship. This relationship may be described in terms of direction; either positive or negative.

A **positive** **association’s** variables vary in the same direction. This means that high scores on one variable are associated with high scores on the other variable, and low scores on one variable is associated with low scores on the other. As one variable increases in value, so does the other. And as a variable decrease in value, the other also decreases. This is a **positive association**.

A **negative association’s** variables vary in the opposite direction. This means that high scores on one variable are associated with low scores on the other. And an increase in one variable is accompanied by decreases in the other. This is a **negative association.**