Pearson Correlation Coefficient

The most common coefficient of correlation is known as the Pearson

product-moment correlation coefficient, or Pearson’s r. It is a measure of the
linear correlation (dependence) between two variables X and Y, giving a value
between +1 and −1. It was developed by Karl Pearson from a related idea
introduced by Francis Galton in the 1880s.

When conducting a statistical test between two variables, it is a good idea

to conduct a Pearson correlation coefficient value to determine just how
strong that relationship is between the two variables. If the coefficient value is
in the negative range, then that means the relationship between the variables
is negatively correlated, or as one value increases, the other decreases. If the
value is in the positive range, then that means the relationship between the
variables is positively correlated, or both values increase or decrease
together.

To determine the strength of the computed r:

If r=0 no association or correlation
If 0 < r < ±0.25 very low correlation
If ±0.25 < r < ±0.50 moderately low correlation
If ±0.50 < r < ±0.75 moderately high correlation
If ±0.75 < r < ±1 very high or strong correlation
If r = ±l perfect correlation

1.

 Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, or Pearson’s r is a

measure of the linear correlation (dependence) between two variables
X and Y, giving a value between +1 and −1.
 The formula for computing r is

 The direction of correlation is indicated by the sign of r while its

strength is indicated by the absolute value of the computed value.
Age and Weight of Children
A sample of 6 children was selected; data about their age in years and
weight in kilograms were recorded as shown in the following table . It is
required to find if there is a relationship between age and weight. Then,
interpret the result.

Child Age, X Weight, Y

1 7 12

2 6 8

3 8 12

4 5 10

5 6 11

6 9 13

Steps Solution

1. Construct a table shown on Child X Y X2 Y2 XY

the right side. Complete the
the entries in each column. 1 7 12 49 144 84
Get the sum of all entries 2 6 8 36 64 48
below the columns.
3 8 12 64 144 96

4 5 10 25 100 50

5 6 11 36 121 66

6 9 13 81 169 117

ΣX = ΣY = ΣX2 ΣY2 ΣXY

41 66 = = =
291 742 461
2. Substitute the values
obtained in the formula,

Since r = 0.76, the age and weight of the 6

children have very high or strong correlation.
Activity
Mathematics and Physics Scores

Steps Solution

1. Below are the data of Student X Y X2 Y2 XY

Mathematics and Physics
scores of 5 students at 1
Mabuhay High School. 2
Compute for the value of r by
completing the table on the 3
right side.
4

ΣX ΣY = ΣX2 ΣY2 ΣXY

=
Student Math Physics = = =

1 55 66

2 93 89

3 89 94

4 60 52

5 90 84

2. Substitute the values

obtained in the formula,
15