A researcher selects a random sample of 200 students to determine whether there is a relationship
between the number of days a student is absent and the student's grade point average. The
correlation coefficient, r, of the data is -0.765. On the basis of the correlation coefficient alone, can the
researcher conclude that an increase in the number of days a student is absent causes the student's
grades to drop?
Yes, because the students in the sample were randomly selected.
No, because other factors may have influenced the student grades.
Yes, because r is very close to -1.
No, because r is negative.
