In her prediction study of high school mathematics experiences and University calculus performance, Kirby reported that number of courses taken was correlated r=.42 while the grades in high school mathematics courses was correlated r=.25 with university grades. Given her findings, Kirby can conclude which of the following?
A) High school grades are a better predictor than are number of courses taken.
B) Both high school grades and number of courses taken are strong predictors.
C) Both high school grades and number of courses taken are weak predictors.
D) Number of courses taken are a better predictor than are high school grades.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correlation coefficient (r) indicates the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. A higher absolute value of r indicates a stronger relationship. Since r=.42 for the number of courses taken is higher than r=.25 for grades, the number of courses taken is a better predictor of university grades than high school grades.

In Her Prediction Study of High School Mathematics Experiences and University