Question 2.73

2.73 Influence on correlation

The Correlation and Regression applet at the text website allows you to create a scatterplot and to move points by dragging with the mouse. Click to create a group of 12 points in the lower-left corner of the scatterplot with a strong straight-line pattern (correlation about 0.9).

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  1. Add one point at the upper right that is in line with the first 12. How does the correlation change?
  2. Drag this last point down until it is opposite the group of 12 points. How small can you make the correlation? Can you make the correlation negative? You see that a single outlier can greatly strengthen or weaken a correlation. Always plot your data to check for outlying points.