Students will learn the meaning of the correlation coefficient, find the regression equation and use it to make predictions.

This lesson will introduce correlation and correlation coefficient. It is 7 of 9 in the series titled "Correlation." [9:59]

This lesson will introduce correlation and correlation coefficient. It is 8 of 9 in the series titled "Correlation." [9:52]

Students explore the relationship between two quantitative variables in bivariate data using various x-y plots. They compare the relationships for several categories on the same plot. Students calculate the correlation coefficient to measure the strength and direction of the linear relationship that might exist between two variables.

An interactive program where students will explore regression lines. Students will be introduced to the correlation coefficient and come to understand what it represents through the given exploration. Requires Java.

Create your own scatter plot or use real-world data and try to fit a line to it. Explore how individual data points affect the correlation coefficient and best-fit line.

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain what a correlation coefficient tells us about the relationship between variables
Recognize that correlation does not indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between variables
Discuss our tendency to look for relationships between variables that do not really exist
Explain random sampling and assignment of participants into experimental and control groups
Discuss how experimenter or participant bias could affect the results of an experiment
Identify independent and dependent variables