Partial correlations have an order associated with them.The order indicates how many variables are being adjusted or controlled.The simple correlation coefficient,r,has a ________,as it does not control for any additional variables when measuring the association between two variables.The coefficient rsy.z is a ________ partial correlation coefficient,as it controls for the effect of one additional variable,Z.
A) zero-order;second-order
B) first-order;second-order
C) zero-order;first-order
D) first-order;third-order

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The simple correlation coefficient, r, does not control or adjust for any additional variables, so it is a zero-order correlation. The coefficient rsy.z controls for the effect of one additional variable, Z, so it is a first-order partial correlation. Therefore, the correct answer is choice C, zero-order for r and first-order for rsy.z.

Partial Correlations Have an Order Associated with Them