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: Observe the scatter - plot

The points in the scatter - plot show a weak negative linear relationship.

Step2: Recall correlation coefficient values

A correlation coefficient of 1 indicates a perfect positive linear relationship, 0 indicates no linear relationship, and values between - 1 and 0 indicate negative linear relationships. The closer the absolute value of the correlation coefficient is to 1, the stronger the linear relationship. Since the relationship here is weak and negative, the value should be close to 0 but negative.

Answer:

C. - 0.2