Question

choose the best correlation coefficient for the data shown in this scatterplot: -0.8426 -0.4213 0.8426 0.4213 1.5456

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze scatter - plot pattern

By observing the scatter - plot, we can see that as the x - values increase, the y - values tend to decrease. This indicates a negative linear relationship.

Step2: Evaluate magnitude of correlation

The points in the scatter - plot are somewhat scattered but still show a noticeable linear trend. A correlation coefficient close to - 1 represents a strong negative linear relationship, and a value closer to 0 represents a weak relationship. Since the trend is noticeable but not extremely strong, a value like - 0.4213 is more appropriate than - 0.8426 (which would indicate a very strong negative relationship). Positive values 0.4213, 0.8426 and 1.5456 are incorrect as the relationship is negative.

Answer:

-0.4213