Experiment by moving the data points around and seeing how the correlation coefficient [b]r[/b] changes. Next, arrange the ten data points to make the correlation as close as possible to a target value. If you are working in a classroom, compare your results with other students. Suggested targets: [b]r[/b] = 0.6, [b]r[/b] = -0.6; [b]r[/b] = 0.99, [b]r[/b] = -0.99; [b]r[/b] = 0.3; [b]r[/b] = -0.3; [b]r[/b] = 0. Notice that moving points that are close to the center of the data distribution has a different impact than moving points that are further out.
Michael Buescher Hathaway Brown School mbuescher@hb.edu michael@mbuescher.com