Question

use the scatter plot to answer the question. which value is the best estimate for the correlation coefficient of the data set? a. 1 b. 0 c. −0.2 d. −0.5 e. −0.8

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the scatter plot trend

The scatter plot shows a negative correlation (as \( x \) increases, \( y \) generally decreases), so the correlation coefficient \( r \) should be negative, eliminating options A (1, positive perfect) and B (0, no correlation).

Step2: Assess the strength of correlation

The points are somewhat scattered but show a moderate negative trend. A correlation coefficient of -0.5 (option D) represents a moderate negative correlation, while -0.2 (C) is weak and -0.8 (E) is strong. The scatter here is more consistent with a moderate negative relationship, so -0.5 is a better estimate than -0.2 or -0.8.

Answer:

D. \(-0.5\)