When the correlation coefficient is weak, the researcher must consider two possibilities:
A)there simply is no consistent, systematic relationship between the two items in the population and the association exists, but it is not linear and must be investigated further.
B)there is a consistent, systematic relationship between the two items in the population, but it is not linear and must be investigated further.
C)there simply is no consistent, systematic relationship between the two items in the population and the association exists, but it is linear and must be investigated further.
D)there simply is no consistent, systematic relationship between the two items in the population and the association exists, but it is linear and does not need be investigated further.
E)there is a consistent, systematic relationship between the two items in the population, but it is linear and must be investigated further.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A weak correlation coefficient indicates that there is no strong or consistent relationship between the two variables being studied. However, it is still possible that there is a relationship that is not linear and must be investigated further. Therefore, choice A is the best option.

When the Correlation Coefficient Is Weak, the Researcher Must Consider