Question

Give an example of a research question that would be suitable for computing a:

a) Correlation coefficient

b) Regression line

Answer 1

(a)
Example of a research question that would be suitable for computing a correlation coefficient:

Research Question:

Are the two variables: x = number of hours spent on videogames and y = marks in examination related?

EXPLANATION: Data on the x = number of hours spent on videogames and y = marks in examination can be collected. Correlation (r) between x and y can be calculated. If r is near 0, we can conclude that x = number of hours spent on videogames and y = marks in examination are not related. If r is near + 1, we can conclude that x = number of hours spent on videogames and y = marks in examination are directly related. If r is near - 1, we can conclude that x = number of hours spent on videogames and y = marks in examination are inversely related.

(b)

Example of a research question that would be suitable for computing a Regression line:

Research Question:

What is the linear relation between y = the yield of a crop as a function of x = rain fall

EXPLANATION: Data on y = the yield of a crop and x = rain fall can be collected. Regression line can be fitted. For any value of x = rain fall, value of y = the yield of crop can be calculated.