Question

which r-value represents the strongest negative correlation? -0.7 -0.22 0.38 0.9

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the property of correlation coefficient \(r\)

The strength of a correlation is determined by the absolute value of \(r\). A negative \(r\) - value indicates a negative correlation.

Step2: Calculate the absolute values

For \(r=-0.7\), \(|r| = 0.7\). For \(r=-0.22\), \(|r|=0.22\). For \(r = 0.38\), \(|r|=0.38\) (this is a positive correlation, so we are not interested in it for the "negative correlation" part). For \(r = 0.9\), \(|r|=0.9\) (positive correlation).

Step3: Compare the absolute values of negative \(r\) - values

Since \(0.7>0.22\) and we are looking for the negative correlation (so we ignore the positive \(r\) - values \(0.38\) and \(0.9\)).

Answer:

\(-0.7\)