The partial correlation coefficient between X and Y after controlling for Z shows a much weaker relationship than the Pearson's r computed for X and Y. This would be taken as evidence of a(n) _____________ relationship between X and Y.
A) direct
B) spurious or intervening
C) interactive
D) positive

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The weaker relationship after controlling for Z indicates that the relationship between X and Y was spurious or intervening, meaning that the relationship was actually being driven by the third variable Z.

The Partial Correlation Coefficient Between X and Y After Controlling