The scatter plot for a set of X and Y values shows the data points clustered in a nearly perfect circle.For these data,what is the most likely value for the Pearson correlation?
A)A positive correlation near 0
B)A negative correlation near 0
C)Either positive or negative near 0
D)A value near +1.00 or -100

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Pearson correlation measures the linear relationship between two variables. If the scatter plot shows data points clustered in a nearly perfect circle, it indicates that there is no clear linear relationship between X and Y. Therefore, the Pearson correlation would be near 0, but it does not specify whether it would be slightly positive or slightly negative, hence either positive or negative near 0 is correct.

The Scatter Plot for a Set of X and Y