A Pearson's r calculated for a bivariate relationship is .50. After controlling for Z, the partial correlation coefficient is .07. This outcome would be evidence of a(n) _____________ relationship between X and Y.
A) direct
B) spurious or intervening
C) interactive
D) positive

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that controlling for Z greatly reduced the correlation between X and Y suggests that the relationship between X and Y was spurious, with Z acting as an intervening variable. The small partial correlation coefficient also suggests that there is little to no direct relationship between X and Y once the influence of Z has been taken into account.

A Pearson's R Calculated for a Bivariate Relationship Is