Pearson Correlation Coefficient: Formula, Example & Significance
The Pearson correlation coefficient is just one of many types of coefficients in the field of statistics. The following lesson provides the formula, examples of when the coefficient is used, its significance, and a quiz to assess your knowledge of the topic.
Pearson Correlation Coefficient
The Pearson correlation coefficient is a very helpful statistical formula that measures the strength between variables and relationships. In the field of statistics, this formula is often referred to as the Pearson R test. When conducting a statistical test between two variables, it is a good idea to conduct a Pearson correlation coefficient value to determine just how strong that relationship is between those two variables.
Formula
In order to determine how strong the relationship is between two variables, a formula must be followed to produce what is referred to as the coefficient value. The coefficient value can range between -1.00 and 1.00. If the coefficient value is in the negative range, then that means the relationship between the variables is negatively correlated, or as one value increases, the other decreases. If the value is in the positive range, then that means the relationship between the variables is positively correlated, or both values increase or decrease together. Let’s look at the formula for conducting the Pearson correlation coefficient value.
Step one: Make a chart with your data for two variables, labeling the variables (x) and (y), and add three more columns labeled (xy), (x^2), and (y^2). A simple data chart might look like this:
Person Age (x) Score (y) (xy) (x^2) (y^2)
1
2
3
More data would be needed, but only three samples are shown for purposes of example.
Step two: Complete the chart using basic multiplication of the variable values.
Person Age (x) Score (y) (xy) (x^2) (y^2)
1 20 30 600 400 900
2 24 20 480 576 400
3 17 27 459 289 729
Step three: After you have multiplied all the values to complete the chart, add up all of the columns from top to bottom.
Person Age (x) Score (y) (xy) (x^2) (y^2)
1 20 30 600 400 900
2 24 20 480 576 400
3 17 27 459 289 729
Total 61 77 1539 1265 2029
Step four: Use this formula to find the Pearson correlation coefficient value.
Pearson Correlation Coefficient Formula
Pearson Correlation
Step five: Once you complete the formula above by plugging in all the correct values, the result is your coefficient value! If the value is a negative number, then there is a negative correlation of relationship strength, and if the value is a positive number, then there is a positive correlation of relationship strength. Note: The above examples only show data for three people, but the ideal sample size to calculate a Pearson correlation coefficient should be more than ten people.
Examples
Let’s say you were analyzing the relationship between your participants’ age and reported level of income. You’re curious as to if there is a positive or negative relationship between someone’s age and their income level. After conducting the test, your Pearson correlation coefficient value is +0.20. Therefore, you would have a slightly positive correlation between the two variables, so the strength of the relationship is also positive and considered strong. You could confidently conclude there is a strong relationship and positive correlation between one’s age and their income. In other words, as people grow older, their income tends to increase as well.
Perhaps you were interested in learning more about the relationship strength of your participants’ anxiety score and the number of hours they work each week. After conducting the test, your Pearson correlation coefficient value is -0.08. Therefore, you would have a negative correlation between the two variables, and the strength of the relationship would be weak. You could confidently conclude there is a weak relationship and negative correlation between one’s anxiety score and how many hours a week they report working. Therefore, those who scored high on anxiety would tend to report less hours of work per week, while those who scored lower on anxiety would tend to report more hours of work each week.
Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code “Newclient”
The post Pearson Correlation Coefficient: Formula, Example & Significance appeared first on Superb Professors.
For any questions, feedback, or comments, we have an ethical customer support team that is always waiting on the line for your inquiries.