Section: Module 8: Lesson 1: Linear Correlation | Intro to Statistics | NextGenU.org

  • Student Learning Outcomes:
    Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
    • Explain the concept of correlation and how it differs from causation.
    • Identify positive and negative associations from a scatter plot.
    • Calculate r, the correlation coefficient of the two variables.
    • Utilize the rule of thumb for the interpretation of the calculated correlation coefficient.
    • Differentiate between the coefficient of correlation and the coefficient of determination.
    • Test the Correlation Coefficient for Significance.
    Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 3 hours and 48 minutes.

    Click here to start this lesson

    • Required Learning Resources and Activities
    • Read entire page. (3 minutes)

      Social and Public Health Unit, University of Glasgow - 2022

    • Read Entire section - Scatterplots and Correlation. (18 minutes)

      University of West Georgia - 2021

    • Read up to the end of Linear Correlation Coefficient (before Simple Linear Regression). (25 minutes)

      Milne Library, SUNY at Genesco - 2022

    • Read entire page. (3 minutes)

      University of Wisconsin, Green Bay - 2022

    • Read entire page. (27 minutes)

      LibeTexts, UC Davis - 2022

    • In this activity, you will discuss the concepts of correlation and causation. 

      Step 1. Review

      Review the learning resources for this lesson before answering the question.

      Step 2. Analyze

      Analyze and discuss the question below.

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      Step 3. Respond

      Respond to the case problem by writing a 300-500-word discussion post with the following inclusions.

      Step 4. Share

      To share your work, click on the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work in the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B. references are excluded from word counts).

      Step 5: Interact

      To complete the activity, you will need to reply to at least two posts made by your peers in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to the forum.”

      OPTIONAL Step 6: Interact (10 minutes)

      If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”