1. The Linear Correlation Coefficient
Section 3
The Linear Correlation
Coefficient

2. linear correlation coefficient – a number that measures the degree of linear relationship or correlation between the x and y values, denoted r
coefficient of determination = r2

3. Properties of the linear correlation coefficient, r
The value of r is always between -1 and 1 (-1 < r < 1)
r = 1 perfect positive linear relationship or correlation (all points lie on the same line)
r = -1 perfect negative linear relationship or correlation (all points lie on the same line)
r > 0 positive linear relationship
r < 0 negative linear relationship
r = 0 no linear relationship

4. Example
Find the linear correlation coefficient for the following data. x y 1 2 4 3 6