Then values of x are plotted with the corresponding values of y. If the relationship between the variables is positive then a line drawn through the points will slope upward. This upward slope signifies that as the values for x increase the values corresponding values for y also increase. The opposite will be true for a negative relationship. In this case the line will slope downward and the correlation would be negative.

In interpreting the correlation coefficient there is one other factor to consider and that is the p value. The statistical program will produce a probability statistic that suggests how likely the result that is observed is the product of chance. The researcher then examines the p value and compares it to the predetermined alpha level that was set for this particular test. If the p value is less than the alpha level the researcher must make a decision...
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