Question

which of the following correlation coefficients indicates the strongest relationship between two variables?
–0.721
0.685
0.255
0.176

Explanation:

Step1: Recall correlation coefficient strength

The strength of a correlation is determined by the absolute value of the correlation coefficient. The closer the absolute value is to 1, the stronger the relationship.

Step2: Calculate absolute values

• For \(-0.721\), absolute value is \(|-0.721| = 0.721\)
• For \(0.685\), absolute value is \(|0.685| = 0.685\)
• For \(0.255\), absolute value is \(|0.255| = 0.255\)
• For \(0.176\), absolute value is \(|0.176| = 0.176\)

Step3: Compare absolute values

Compare \(0.721\), \(0.685\), \(0.255\), and \(0.176\). The largest absolute value is \(0.721\) (from \(-0.721\)).

Answer:

\(-0.721\)