The following scenario and corresponding Figure 2.58 are provided below. The website TED.com offers free short presentations called TED Talks fastessayy.com , which cover a variety of interesting subjects. One of the talks is titled The Happy Planet Index. In it, Nic Marks comments that we regularly measure and report economic data on countries, such as gross national product, when we really ought to be measuring the well-being of the people in the countries. He calls this measure “Happiness,” and the larger the number in a country, the greater the level of happiness, health, and well-being. In addition, Marks believes we ought to be measuring the ecological footprint per capita of the country, with larger numbers indicating greater use of resources (such as gas and electricity) and more damage to the planet. Both variables are quantitative (continuous). Figure 2.58 Prompt: For this short paper assignment, complete the following:

 1. For the graph, interpret what the graph is telling us about happiness and ecological footprint, as described above. 

2. Estimate and provide a range (minimum to maximum value), with a width no more than 0.2, for where you think the correlation statistic falls and support your decision with an explanation of the data points you see. Note: You are being asked to estimate the correlation statistic, you do not have to calculate the exact value.

 3. What could affect the size of the correlation statistic? a. In regard to the actual data points (hint: what are we assuming about the data?) 

b. In regard to how the variables were measured (i.e., what information is used to define them, as well as other potential information not considered?) 

Rubric Guidelines for Submission: Submit your paper as a Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. References are not required. The point of this paper is to show how well you interpret a scatterplot and correlation. However, if you do provide information from a published resource, be sure to cite and reference it. Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value Interpretation of Graph Direction and strength of association are discussed clearly, completely, and accurately using correct variables Direction and strength of association are discussed fairly accurately using correct variables Direction and strength of correlation are discussed inaccurately, or one is missing Does not interpret graph 30 Correlation Statistic Range of values of correlation statistic is appropriate and narrow, and explanation supports values and range Range of values of correlation statistic is possible, and explanation supports values and range Contains major errors in range values or explanation Contains major errors in both range and explanation, or none are provided 30 Affects Provides clear, complete, and accurate explanation regarding what data points were used and how variables were measured and affect correlation statistic Provides a mostly accurate explanation of data points and correlation statistic Explanation of data points, measured affects, and correlation statistic is unclear or inaccurate No explanation is provided 30 Articulation of Response Submission is free of errors of organization and grammar Submission contains errors of organization and grammar, but errors are limited enough so that the assignment can be understood Submission has major errors related to organization and grammar that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas Submission has critical errors related to organization and grammar that prevent understanding of ideas 10 Total 100%