Which of the following correlation coefficients indicates the strongest linear relationship between two variables ($r$)?

• A. $-0.85$
• B. $0.60$
• C. $0.95$
• D. $0.20$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall 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. Understand that the strength of the linear relationship is determined by the absolute value of the correlation coefficient, \(|r|\), regardless of whether it is positive or negative.
3. Compare the absolute values of the given correlation coefficients: \(|-0.85| = 0.85\), \(|0.60| = 0.60\), \(|0.95| = 0.95\), and \(|0.20| = 0.20\).
4. Identify the correlation coefficient with the largest absolute value, since this indicates the strongest linear relationship between the two variables.
5. Conclude that the correlation coefficient with the highest absolute value corresponds to the strongest linear relationship.