The value of a correlation is reported by a researcher to be r = -0.5. Which of the following statements is correct?
A) The x-variable explains 50% of the variability in the y-variable.
B) The x-variable explains -50% of the variability in the y-variable.
C) The x-variable explains 25% of the variability in the y-variable.
D) The x-variable explains -25% of the variability in the y-variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The square of the correlation coefficient (r^2) represents the proportion of the variance in the dependent variable that is predictable from the independent variable. Given r = 0.5, r^2 = 0.5^2 = 0.25 or 25%, indicating the x-variable explains 25% of the variability in the y-variable.

The Value of a Correlation Is Reported by a Researcher