Which type of correlation would indicate a relationship where higher values in one variable are associated with lower values in another?

The concept of correlation describes how two variables relate to each other. A negative correlation specifically indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. This means that higher values in one variable are associated with lower values in another, showcasing an inverse relationship.

For example, consider a scenario where we examine the relationship between stress levels and overall happiness. If we find that as stress levels increase (higher values) happiness tends to decrease (lower values), we would conclude that there is a negative correlation between these two variables.

In contrast, a strong or weak positive correlation would imply that as one variable increases, the other also tends to increase, indicating a direct relationship rather than an inverse one. Zero correlation suggests that there is no predictable relationship between the two variables. Therefore, the choice indicating a negative correlation directly aligns with the definition of an inverse relationship, making it the most accurate answer.