Research reports a correlation of +0.8 between math achievement and math aptitude it also reports a correlation of -0.8 between math achievement and a math anxiety. Which interpretations is most c?orrect
Both can be correct. See this article:
http://drdavespsychologypage.intuitwebsites.com/Decision_Trap.pdf
Both correlations, +0.8 between math achievement and math aptitude and -0.8 between math achievement and math anxiety, indicate strong relationships between the variables. The positive correlation of +0.8 with math aptitude suggests that individuals with higher math aptitude tend to have higher math achievement levels. On the other hand, the negative correlation of -0.8 with math anxiety indicates that individuals with higher math anxiety tend to have lower math achievement levels.
It is important to note that correlation does not imply causation. These correlations only show the strength and direction of the relationships between the variables, but they do not prove that one variable directly causes changes in the other. Other factors may also play a role in influencing math achievement.
To obtain these interpretations, you can analyze the research report, specifically the sections where they present the correlation coefficients. The researchers likely conducted statistical analyses using data on math achievement, math aptitude, and math anxiety to find the correlations. Reading the methodology and results sections of the report will provide you with more specific details about the study design, data collection, and statistical calculations used to derive these interpretations.