In a psychology study, which correlation coefficient indicates the strongest linear relationship between two variables?

• A. $r=-0.95$
• B. $r=0.00$
• C. $r=0.40$
• D. $r=0.90$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the correlation coefficient, denoted as \(r\), measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. Its value ranges from \(-1\) to \$1$.
2. Recall that the strength of the linear relationship is determined by the absolute value of \(r\), where values closer to \$1\( or \)-1\( indicate a stronger relationship, and values near \)0$ indicate a weak or no linear relationship.
3. Look at each given correlation coefficient and consider their absolute values: \(|r| = 0.95\), \(|r| = 0.00\), \(|r| = 0.40\), and \(|r| = 0.90\).
4. Compare these absolute values to identify which one is the largest, as the largest absolute value corresponds to the strongest linear relationship.
5. Conclude that the correlation coefficient with the largest absolute value indicates the strongest linear relationship, regardless of whether it is positive or negative.