If the correlation between anxiety and test scores is -.85,then we can safely conclude that
A) high anxiety causes low test performance.
B) low test performance causes high anxiety levels.
C) there is a positive relationship between anxiety and test scores.
D) there is a negative relationship between anxiety and test scores.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A correlation of -.85 indicates a strong negative relationship between anxiety and test scores, which means that as anxiety levels increase, test scores decrease. Therefore, choice D, "there is a negative relationship between anxiety and test scores," is the correct answer. Choices A and B are incorrect because they suggest a causal relationship between anxiety and test scores, which cannot be determined from a correlation. Choice C is incorrect because it suggests a positive relationship between the variables, which is not supported by a negative correlation coefficient.

If the Correlation Between Anxiety and Test Scores Is -