A researcher collects data from 20 people and calculates a Pearson correlation of r = .72. Assuming $\alpha$ = .05 (two-tailed), the researcher would make the decision to ______. A) reject the null hypothesis (p

Question

A researcher collects data from 20 people and calculates a Pearson correlation of r = .72. Assuming $\alpha$ = .05 (two-tailed), the researcher would make the decision to ______.
A) reject the null hypothesis (p < .05)
B) reject the null hypothesis (p < .01)
C) not reject the null hypothesis (p > .05)
D) not reject the null hypothesis (p < .05)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the calculated Pearson correlation coefficient (r = .72) is greater than the critical Pearson correlation coefficient (which is approximately .45 at df = 18 and .05 alpha level), we can conclude that the correlation is statistically significant. Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis (that there is no statistically significant correlation between the variables) and accept the alternative hypothesis (that there is a statistically significant correlation between the variables). The correct choice is A, as the researcher would reject the null hypothesis with an alpha level of .05.

A Researcher Collects Data from 20 People and Calculates a Pearson