Question

The value of a correlation is reported by a researcher to be r = -0.7. Which of the following statements is correct?

1) The correlation is positive
2) The correlation is negative
3) The correlation is zero
4) The correlation cannot be determined

Answer 1

The correct statement about the correlation reported as r = -0.7 is that the correlation is negative, indicating an inverse relationship between the variables.

Step-by-step explanation:

The value of a correlation reported by a researcher to be r = -0.7 is indicative of a negative correlation. This means that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease, and vice versa. The correlation coefficient r ranges from -1 to +1, with negative values indicating a negative relationship and positive values indicating a positive relationship. Thus, statements claiming the correlation is positive or zero are incorrect, and the correct statement is that the correlation is negative.