In terms of the Pearson correlation coefficient $r$, which value represents the weakest linear correlation?

• A. $r=-0.70$
• B. $r=0.05$
• C. $r=0.85$
• D. $r=-0.95$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Pearson correlation coefficient \(r\) measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables, ranging from \(-1\) to \$1$.
2. Understand that the magnitude (absolute value) of \(r\) indicates the strength of the correlation, where values close to \$1\( or \)-1\( represent strong correlations, and values close to \)0$ represent weak correlations.
3. Compare the absolute values of the given \(r\) values: \(|-0.70| = 0.70\), \(|0.05| = 0.05\), \(|0.85| = 0.85\), and \(|-0.95| = 0.95\).
4. Identify the smallest absolute value among these, which corresponds to the weakest linear correlation.
5. Conclude that the value with the smallest absolute magnitude of \(r\) represents the weakest linear correlation.