The number of times a player has golfed in one’s lifetime is compared to the number of strokes it takes the player to complete 18 holes. The correlation coefficient relating the two variables is negative 0 point 2 6 Which best describes the strength of the correlation, and what is true about the causation between the variables?
Answer
A
It is a strong negative correlation, and it is not likely causal.
B
It is a weak negative correlation, and it is not likely causal.
C
It is a strong negative correlation, and it is likely causal.
D
It is a weak negative correlation, and it is likely causal.
Explanation
A correlation coefficient of −0.26 is negative, and its magnitude (0.26) is close to zero, so the relationship is weak. Although players who have golfed more may tend to take fewer strokes, correlation alone does not show that one variable causes the other. Therefore, the best description is a weak negative correlation that is not likely causal.
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