Pearson r for Signficance
Computing a Pearson r gives you a value of the relationship between two variables in your sample. However, we must ask if the results are true in the general population as well.
First, compute the degrees of freedom
df = N-2
where N = number of participants
The null hypothesis states that there is no relationship between the two variables in the population. The alternative hypothesis states that there is a true relationship in the population.
Look up on the table to find a minimum value of r
If the observed value is greater than the minimum value, reject the null hypothesis and state that the data are consistent with the alternative hypothesis; there is a relationship.
If the observed value is less than the minimum value, we fail to reject the null hypothesis and state that there is no relationship between the variables.
Back to Inferential Statistics
References:
Pyrczak, Fred. (2002). Success at statistics: A Worktext with humor (2nd ed.). Los Angeles: Pyrczak Publishing.
