Math Problem Statement

What do you conclude about the data?

Group of answer choices

the calculated r value is not greater than the critical r value so the correlation is not significant.

the calculated r value is greater than the critical r value so the correlation is not significant.

the calculated r value is greater than the critical r value so the correlation is significant.

the calculated r value is not greater than the critical r value so the correlation is significant.

Solution

To determine the correct conclusion about the data, we need to compare the calculated r value (the correlation coefficient you computed from the data) with the critical r value (the threshold value for significance, based on the sample size and significance level, often from a statistical table).

Here’s how to interpret the options:

  1. If the calculated r value is greater than the critical r value, the correlation is considered statistically significant (it indicates a real relationship between the variables).

  2. If the calculated r value is not greater than the critical r value, the correlation is not statistically significant (it suggests the relationship could have occurred by chance).

Thus, the correct conclusion depends on the comparison between the two values. Here's how to interpret each statement:

  • "The calculated r value is not greater than the critical r value so the correlation is not significant."
    This is a possible correct conclusion if the calculated r value does not meet the threshold.

  • "The calculated r value is greater than the critical r value so the correlation is not significant."
    This is incorrect because a calculated r value greater than the critical r value indicates significance.

  • "The calculated r value is greater than the critical r value so the correlation is significant."
    This is the most likely correct conclusion when the r value exceeds the critical value, indicating statistical significance.

  • "The calculated r value is not greater than the critical r value so the correlation is significant."
    This is incorrect because a non-significant r value cannot indicate significance.

Therefore, the correct conclusion would most likely be:
"The calculated r value is greater than the critical r value so the correlation is significant."

Would you like more details on how to interpret or calculate the r value and critical r value?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How do you calculate the critical r value for a given sample size?
  2. What does a correlation coefficient (r value) represent?
  3. What factors influence the significance of a correlation?
  4. What is the difference between a one-tailed and a two-tailed test for correlation?
  5. How can you interpret a very small r value (close to 0)?

Tip: When in doubt, always check the sample size and significance level (usually 0.05) to determine the critical r value before making conclusions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Correlation
Hypothesis Testing
Statistical Significance

Formulas

Correlation coefficient (r)
Critical r value

Theorems

Pearson correlation significance testing

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12