§-Quick questions
NSWMaths Standard 2Year 12: Statistical Analysis
Quick questions on Pearson's correlation coefficient for HSC Maths Standard 2
3short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the linear-only limitation?Show answer
Pearson's only detects linear association, meaning a straight-line trend. A dataset that follows a curve perfectly can still give close to zero. This happens because the rises and falls of the curve cancel out when you measure the straight-line trend. The plot below is a perfect U-shape: a textbook strong relationship, yet .
What is computing on a calculator?Show answer
NESA-approved scientific calculators include statistics-mode (STAT) functions. The procedure is typically:
What is reading the sign off a scatterplot?Show answer
If you only have the plot (no number), you can still state the sign and a rough magnitude:
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