What does a correlation coefficient represent?

A correlation coefficient quantifies the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables. This statistical measure indicates how closely related the two variables are, ranging from -1 to +1. A coefficient close to 1 suggests a strong positive correlation, meaning that as one variable increases, the other tends to increase as well. Conversely, a coefficient near -1 indicates a strong negative correlation, where one variable tends to decrease as the other increases. A coefficient of 0 indicates no correlation between the variables.

The results of a statistical test, often represented by the correlation coefficient, provide crucial insights in psychology research when investigating relationships between different psychological constructs or behaviors. This interpretation aids researchers in understanding complex interactions and can guide further study or intervention strategies.

In this context, the other choices do not accurately summarize what a correlation coefficient represents. The number of variables in an experiment, the mean value of a data set, or the sample size of a study do not capture the essence of what a correlation coefficient conveys about the relationship between two specific variables.