Question

which is most likely the correlation coefficient for the set of data shown? -0.83 -0.21 0.21 0.83

Explanation:

Step1: Identify trend direction

The line of best fit slopes downward, so the correlation coefficient \(r\) is negative. This eliminates the positive options 0.21 and 0.83.

Step2: Assess correlation strength

The data points are loosely scattered around the line, not tightly clustered. A value of -0.83 would indicate a strong negative correlation (points close to the line), while -0.21 indicates a weak negative correlation, matching the scatter.

Answer:

-0.21