Trend analysis is a post hoc procedure that allows a researcher to assess the shape of a graph of means on a dependent variable produced by the conditions of the independent variable. These shapes can have theoretical meaning. For example, a significant downward straight line of means can show an important pattern of a steady decrease on a dependent variable that is caused by conditions of an independent variable. Which one of the following terms represents a U or V shaped graph of means?

Group of answer choices

cubic

quadratic

linear

quartic