A researcher is investigating whether there is a linear correlation between the number of hours studied and exam scores among a group of students. The data collected and the corresponding scatterplot are as follows:


Calculate the value of the linear correlation coefficient $r$ and determine the critical values of $r$ at a significance level of $\alpha =0.05$. Is there sufficient evidence to support the claim that there is a linear correlation between hours studied and exam scores?

• A. $r\approx 0.974$ There is sufficient evidence to support the claim of a linear correlation between hours studied and exam scores.
• B. $r\approx 0.974$ There is insufficient evidence to support the claim of a linear correlation between hours studied and exam scores.
• C. $r\approx 0.948$There is sufficient evidence to support the claim of a linear correlation between hours studied and exam scores.
• D. $r\approx 0.948$ There is insufficient evidence to support the claim of a linear correlation between hours studied and exam scores.

Answer: (A)