Increasing magnitude of the correlation coefficient indicates what?

Increasing magnitude of the correlation coefficient indicates what?

• A. A stronger association
• B. A weaker association
• C. A negative relationship
• D. Causation

Answer: (A)

The correlation coefficient measures both the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. The magnitude (the absolute value) specifically tells how strong that relationship is. As the magnitude increases toward 1, the data points align more closely along a straight line, signaling a stronger association. The sign of the coefficient (positive or negative) indicates direction, but the magnitude alone conveys strength. So, increasing magnitude points to a stronger association, regardless of whether the relationship is positive or negative. This does not imply causation.

The correlation coefficient measures both the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. The magnitude (the absolute value) specifically tells how strong that relationship is. As the magnitude increases toward 1, the data points align more closely along a straight line, signaling a stronger association. The sign of the coefficient (positive or negative) indicates direction, but the magnitude alone conveys strength. So, increasing magnitude points to a stronger association, regardless of whether the relationship is positive or negative. This does not imply causation.