Prior to performing a correlation test, what procedure should be performed?
A) Inspect a scatterplot of the data.
B) Perform a regression analysis.
C) Analyse to data using an independent t-test.
D) Inspect a histogram of the data.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before performing a correlation test, it is best practice to visually inspect a scatterplot of the data to check for linearity and identify any potential outliers, influential points, or nonlinear relationships between the variables. This allows for a better understanding of the relationship between the variables and ensures a more accurate interpretation of the correlation coefficient. Regression analysis is a more advanced and complex technique that may or may not be necessary depending on the research question and data. Independent t-tests are used for comparing group means, which is not relevant to a correlation analysis, and histograms are used for examining the distribution of a single variable, which is not directly related to assessing the relationship between two variables.

Prior to Performing a Correlation Test, What Procedure Should Be