In: Statistics and Probability
A researcher is looking at the correlation between depression and anxiety using a two-tailed test with an alpha level of .05. The researcher finds the following correlation coefficient: r = .22, p = .04. What can the researcher conclude?
a. There is a significant positive relationship between depression and anxiety in this sample.
b. There is no statistically significant relationship between depression and anxiety in this sample.
c. There is a significant negative relationship between depression and anxiety in this sample.
d. Higher levels of depression cause higher rates of anxiety.
In the problem mentioned here, the answer is simple but a good understand of the concept of correlation and the difference between correlation and causality needs to be understood to understand the correct answer. In the solution, all steps has been mentioned and option (a) is the correct option.
Although option (d) seems to be close, it is not the absolute correct answer for which the concept of correlation vs causality needs to be understood. A small value of r=0.22 is the reason why the option (d) is not fully correct, thus there is a positive but not too higher correlation between depression and anxiety for at least this sample concerned. The reasons and concepts mentioning the solution is attached below: