Question

There is a correlation (r = .78) between time spent commuting to work (in minutes) and the level of distraction (measured as the number of times a person switches tasks) during the first hour after arriving at work.

a. In terms of the variables, how would you describe this relationship?
b. Is the relationship positive or negative?

The least squares regression line for the relationship between commuting time and distraction at work: Y’ = 0.075(x) + 2.57.
c. What is the predicted distraction score for someone whose commute is 40 minutes long?

Answer 1

Solution:

X: commuting time

Y: distraction at work

The correlation r = 0.78

a) There is strong relationship between commuting time and distraction at work.

b) The sign of correlation is positive hence there is positive relationship between commuting time and distraction at work. That means as commuting time increases, distraction at work increases.

The least squares regression line,

Y’ = 0.075(x) + 2.57

c) If x = 40 minutes

Y’ = 0.075*40 + 2.57

Y' = 5.57

Hence, the predicted distraction score for someone whose commute is 40 minutes long = 5.57

Done