Negative Correlation - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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Negative correlation is a term used to describe a relationship between two variables where, as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease.

Imagine you are comparing the number of hours you spend watching TV with your test scores. If you notice that when you watch more TV your test scores go down, then these two variables have a negative correlation. This means they move in opposite directions.

In psychology, understanding negative correlation can help us see patterns in behaviour, such as how increased stress might lead to less sleep. It's important to remember that correlation does not mean one thing causes the other, just that they happen to relate in some way.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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