foofy computes the correlation between an individual's physical strength and his or her college grade poing average. Using a computer, the correlation for a sample of 2000 people is r(1998)=+.08, p=<.0001. she claims this is a useful tool for predicting which college applicants are likely to succeed academically. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
r = .08 accounts for too little of the variability (< 1%) to be useful in predicting college success.
To determine whether the correlation between physical strength and college grade point average (GPA) is a useful tool for predicting academic success, let's analyze the given information.
The correlation coefficient (r) measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables, in this case, physical strength and college GPA. The value of r ranges from -1 to +1, with +1 indicating a perfect positive correlation, 0 indicating no correlation, and -1 indicating a perfect negative correlation.
In this scenario, the correlation coefficient (r) is +0.08. This means there is a positive relationship between physical strength and college GPA, but the correlation is relatively weak. A value of +0.08 indicates a low-strength correlation.
The p-value (p) is a measure of the statistical significance of the correlation coefficient. A p-value less than a chosen threshold (usually 0.05) indicates that the correlation is statistically significant. In this case, the p-value is <0.0001, meaning that the correlation is statistically significant.
Now let's address the claim made by Foofy. Based on the given information, it is not appropriate to conclude that physical strength is a useful tool for predicting academic success. Here's why:
1. Weak Correlation: The correlation coefficient of +0.08 suggests a very weak positive relationship between physical strength and college GPA. Such a weak correlation limits the predictive power of physical strength when it comes to academic success. Other factors like intelligence, study habits, motivation, etc., often have more significant effects on GPA.
2. Correlation vs. Causation: It's crucial to understand that correlation does not imply causation. Just because there is a correlation between physical strength and college GPA does not mean that physical strength directly influences academic success. There could be other omitted variables or confounding factors at play that are responsible for the observed correlation.
3. Multiple Factors for Academic Success: Academic success is a complex outcome influenced by various factors like intelligence, effort, study skills, dedication, intellectual curiosity, and more. Focusing solely on physical strength might oversimplify the complex nature of academic achievement. Considering a comprehensive set of factors would provide a more accurate prediction of success.
In conclusion, based on the given information, it is not advisable to agree with Foofy's claim that the correlation between physical strength and college GPA is a useful tool for predicting academic success. The weak correlation and the presence of multiple factors influencing academic success suggest that physical strength alone cannot serve as a reliable predictor.