An example of comparing the strengths of correlation coefficients is evaluating a correlation coefficient of ${}0.9$ against ${}0.3$. Because the number portion of ${}0.9$ is closer to ${}1$ than ${}0.3$, it represents a far stronger and more predictable relationship between the variables.

Google

The interpretation of a correlation coefficient requires separating its number portion from its algebraic sign. The number portion indicates the strength of the relationship; the closer the number is to ${}1$ (such as ${}0.9$), the stronger the relationship and the more predictable changes in one variable will be, while the closer it is to ${}0$ (such as ${}0.3$), the weaker and less predictable the relationship becomes. The sign ($+$ or $-$) indicates the direction of the relationship, showing whether the variables move in the same or opposite directions.

Strength vs. Direction of a Correlation Coefficient

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

Learn Before

Related