The relationship between hospital patient-to-nurse ratio and various characteristics of job satisfaction and patient care has been the focus of a number of research studies. Suppose x = patient-to-nurse ratio is the independent variable. For each of the following potential dependent variables, indicate whether you expect the slope of the least-squares line to be positive or negative and give a brief explanation for your choice.

a. y = a measure of nurse's job satisfaction (higher values indicate higher satisfaction)

b. y = a measure of patient satisfaction with hospital care (higher values indicate higher satisfaction)

c. y = a measure of patient quality of care