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Correlation Activity
Correlation Activity
Correlation Activity
Have you ever wondered whether tall people have longer arms than short people? We'll explore this question
by collecting data on two variables -- height and arm span (measured from left fingertip to right fingertip).
1. Collect measurements (in centimeters) for the heights and arm spans of your classmates.
2. Construct a scatter plot using graphing technology. Judging from the scatter plot, does there appear
to be a positive association between arm span and height? That is, does an increase in arm span
generally lead to an increase in height?
3. Compute a one-variable summary statistics on arms span and height.
4. Is your arm span and height above the average?
5. How many observations have above-average arm spans?
6. How many observations have above-average heights?
7. Is it possible to divide all observations into four categories: above-average arm span and above-
average height; above-average arm span and below-average height; below-average arm span and
above average height; and below-average arm span and below-average height? How many of your
classmates fall into each category? Construct a 2 by 2 table to present your counts as percentages.
8. Use the TI-83/84 lists to compute the correlation coefficient to describe the linear association
between arm span and height for your data.