In a re-analysis of published studies, Twenge and Im (2007) found that for the time period 1958-2001, the need for social approval of people in the United States was negatively correlated with the U.S.violent crime rate during the same period (the correlation coefficient was -0.31).This correlation means that:
A) the need for social approval prevented people from committing violent crimes.
B) the need for social approval spurred people to commit violent crimes.
C) as the need for social approval went up, the number of violent crimes also increased.
D) as the need for social approval went up, the number of violent crimes decreased.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The negative correlation coefficient (-0.31) indicates that as the need for social approval increased, the U.S. violent crime rate decreased. Therefore, as the need for social approval went up, the number of violent crimes decreased. Option D is the only choice that correctly describes this correlation.

In a Re-Analysis of Published Studies, Twenge and Im (2007)