When looking at the relationship between cognitive ability and hours per week spent in nature, how does the r value for the partial correlation change from the Pearson's correlation?
A) The Pearson's correlation is smaller.
B) The partial r value is smaller.
C) The r values are the same.
D) The r value switches from being positive to being negative.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The partial correlation controls for one or more other variables, potentially reducing the correlation between the two primary variables of interest (in this case, cognitive ability and hours spent in nature) by removing the effect of the controlled variables. This often results in a smaller r value compared to the Pearson's correlation, which does not control for other variables.

When Looking at the Relationship Between Cognitive Ability and Hours