Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients can accurately describe the relationship between two variables when
A) one of the variables has a truncated range
B) the two variables are measuring different things
C) the relationship between the two variables is curvilinear
D) all of the other alternatives are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient is designed to measure the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables, regardless of what those variables are measuring. Thus, it can accurately describe the relationship as long as the variables are linearly related, even if they measure different things. Options A and C describe situations where Pearson's correlation might not accurately describe the relationship because it assumes a linear relationship and is sensitive to the range of data.

Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficients Can Accurately Describe the Relationship Between