covary or not. The strength and direction of the relationship between the two variables is represented by a number, known as correlation coefficient. Its value can range from + . through .
to – . . As you can see, the coefficient of correlation is of three types: positive, negative, and zero. A positive correlation indicates that as the value of one variable (X) increases, the value of the other variable (Y) will also increase.
Similarly when variable X decreases, a decrease in Y too takes place. Suppose, it is found that more time the students spend on studying, the higher was their achievement score. Also the less they studied, the lower was their achievement score. This type of association will be indicated by a positive number, and the stronger the association between studying and achievement, the closer the number would be to + .
. You may find a correlation of +. , indicating a strong positive association between study time and achievement. On the other hand, a negative correlation tells us that as the value of one variable (X) increases, the value of the other (Y) decreases.
For example, you may Identify the independent and dependent variables from the given hypotheses. . Teachers’ classroom behaviour affects students’ performance. .
Healthy parent-child relationship facilitates emotional adjustment of children. . Increase in the level of peer pressure increases the level of anxiety. .
Enriching the environment of young children with special books and puzzles enhances their performance.