Which statement best describes a weak correlation?

Which statement best describes a weak correlation?

• A. Correlation coefficients with a value close to 1 or -1.
• B. A strong linear relationship with most data near a line.
• C. Correlation coefficients with a value close to 0 but not equal to zero.
• D. There is no relationship at all.

Answer: (C)

A weak correlation is indicated by a correlation coefficient near zero in magnitude. This means there isn’t a clear linear trend between the two variables—the data don’t line up along a straight line, producing only a little or no consistent pattern as one variable changes. Seeing a value near 1 or -1 would mean a strong linear relationship, with points tightly clustered around a line of positive or negative slope. Seeing a value close to zero (but not exactly zero) captures the idea that any linear relationship is very weak, possibly with a scatter that shows barely any straight-line pattern. Saying there is no relationship at all is too strong a statement, because the data might still have a tiny linear trend or a nonlinear pattern that a straight-line measure wouldn’t capture.

A weak correlation is indicated by a correlation coefficient near zero in magnitude. This means there isn’t a clear linear trend between the two variables—the data don’t line up along a straight line, producing only a little or no consistent pattern as one variable changes.

Seeing a value near 1 or -1 would mean a strong linear relationship, with points tightly clustered around a line of positive or negative slope. Seeing a value close to zero (but not exactly zero) captures the idea that any linear relationship is very weak, possibly with a scatter that shows barely any straight-line pattern. Saying there is no relationship at all is too strong a statement, because the data might still have a tiny linear trend or a nonlinear pattern that a straight-line measure wouldn’t capture.