CORRELATION

Mathematics in the Modern World

CORRELATION

 This section shows how to calculate and interpret correlation coefficients for
ordinal and interval level scales. Methods of correlation summarize the
relationship between two variables in a single number called the correlation
coefficient. The correlation coefficient is usually represented using the symbol r,
and it ranges from -1 to +1.
 A correlation coefficient quite close to 0, but either positive or negative, implies
little or no relationship between the two variables. A correlation coefficient close
to plus 1 means a positive relationship between the two variables, with increases
in one of the variables being associated with increases in the other variable.
CORRELATION

 A correlation coefficient close to -1 indicates a negative relationship between two

variables, with an increase in one of the variables being associated with a
decrease in the other variable. A correlation coefficient can be produced for
ordinal, interval or ratio level variables, but has little meaning for variables which
are measured on a scale which is no more than nominal.
CORRELATION METHODS

1. SCATTER PLOT
A scatter plot is a graph of ordered pair (x,y) of numbers consisting of the independent
variable x, and the dependent variable, y.
 The Independent Variable is the variable that can be controlled or manipulated.
 The Dependent Variable is the variable that cannot be controlled or manipulated.
 The independent variable is plotted on the horizontal axis and the dependent variable
on the vertical axis.
 The purpose of this is to determine the nature of the relationship between the
variables. The relationship may be positive linear, negative linear, curvilinear, or no
discernible relationship.
Example 1. Construct a Scatter Plot for the Given Data.
Example 1. Construct a Scatter Plot for the Given Data.
 EXAMPLE 2

This illustrates a perfect positive relationship. When computed, the coefficient of correlation is equal to 1
EXAMPLE 3
Example 4
Example 5
CORRELATION

 Correlation is the statistical method used to determine if there is a

relationship between variables and the strength of the relationship.
Pearson Correlation Coefficient
The degree of linear association / relationship between two variables
is measured by a correlation coefficient, denoted by r.
Pearson Correlation Coefficient