Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Practice Exam

What does a high correlation coefficient in a scatter diagram suggest?

1. No relationship between variables

2. Strong relationship between variables

3. Weak relationship between variables

4. Inverse relationship between variables

The correct answer is: Strong relationship between variables

A high correlation coefficient in a scatter diagram indicates a strong relationship between the two variables being analyzed. Correlation coefficients typically range from -1 to 1, where a value close to 1 signifies a strong positive correlation, meaning that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to also increase. Conversely, a value close to -1 indicates a strong negative correlation, where an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in another. Therefore, a high positive or negative correlation indicates that there is a significant association between the variables. The other options lack the correct interpretation of the strong relationship suggested by a high correlation coefficient. A coefficient that indicates no relationship would not be high, as would a weak relationship, which implies that there is little to no association between the variables. An inverse relationship specifically refers to a negative correlation, but doesn't encompass the full scope of what a high correlation coefficient can entail. Thus, the correct understanding of a high correlation coefficient is that it indicates a strong relationship between the variables involved.