If the partial correlation between Variables X and Y is equal to the Pearson correlation between X and Y,
A)the correlation between X and Y is statistically significant.
B)X and Y are probably causally related.
C)the range of scores on X and Y is probably restricted.
D)the variable that was partialed out does not account for the correlation between X and Y.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the partial correlation between X and Y is equal to the Pearson correlation between X and Y, it indicates that controlling for the effect of the third variable does not change the relationship between X and Y. This suggests that the third variable does not account for the correlation between X and Y, rather than implying causality, statistical significance, or range restriction.

If the Partial Correlation Between Variables X and Y Is