Chapter 5Prediction and Association

DOI: 10.4324/9781003450467-5

Section 5.1 Pearson Correlation Coefficient

Description

The Pearson correlation coefficient (sometimes called the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient or simply the Pearson r) determines the strength of the linear relationship between two variables.

Assumptions

Both variables should be measured on interval or ratio scales (or as a dichotomous nominal variable). If a relationship exists between them, that relationship should be linear. Because the Pearson correlation coefficient is computed with z-scores, both variables should also be normally distributed. If your data do not meet these assumptions, consider using the Spearman rho correlation coefficient instead. ...

Get How to Use SPSS®, 12th Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.