Question

identify the correlation coefficient r that is most likely to correspond with the scatterplot below.
show your work here
\\( r = -0.81 \\) \\( r = -0.53 \\)
\\( r = -0.09 \\) \\( r = 0.56 \\)
\\( r = 0.92 \\)

Explanation:

Step1: Determine correlation direction

The scatterplot shows points roughly trending downward from left to right, so the correlation is negative. This eliminates positive options ($r=0.56$, $r=0.92$).

Step2: Assess correlation strength

The points are scattered but show a weak-to-moderate downward trend—not tightly clustered (ruling out strong $r=-0.81$) nor completely random (ruling out near-zero $r=-0.09$). A moderate negative value fits best.

Answer:

$r = -0.53$