Which of the following correlation coefficients indicates the strongest linear relationship between two quantitative variables?

• A. $r=0.70$
• B. $r=-0.99$
• C. $r=0.95$
• D. $r=0$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the correlation coefficient \(r\) measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two quantitative variables, and its value ranges from \(-1\) to \$1$.
2. Understand that the strength of the linear relationship is determined by the absolute value of \(r\), meaning how close \(|r|\) is to \$1$ regardless of the sign.
3. Compare the absolute values of the given correlation coefficients: \(|0.70| = 0.70\), \(|-0.99| = 0.99\), \(|0.95| = 0.95\), and \(|0| = 0\).
4. Identify which correlation coefficient has the largest absolute value, as this indicates the strongest linear relationship.
5. Conclude that the correlation coefficient with the largest absolute value represents the strongest linear relationship between the two variables.