Question

A researcher examined several variables he believed to be related to self-esteem in adolescents. She found the following significant correlations:

The relationship between self-esteem and alcohol consumption, r= -.45, p <.05

The relationship between self-esteem and grades, r = .41, p <.05

The relationship between self-esteem and number of friends, r = .23, p < .05

Which of the variables is likely to be the most accurate predictor of self-esteem in adolescents?

Questions 1.

A. Self-esteem in childhood

B. Alcohol Consumption

C. Number of Friends

D. Grades

Questions 2:

Which is the dependent variable?

A. Alcohol

B. Number of Friends

C. Grades

D. Self-Esteem

Answer 1

Solution: In Statistics, correlation coefficient is a measure of strength of the relationship between the relative movements of the two variables.

1) Based on the obtained results, we find that the pearson correation coefficient of self-esteem and alcohol consumption is the highest, that is r = 0.45.

Thus Alcohol Consumption is the variable which is likely to be the most accurate predictor of self-esteem in adolescents. So, option (B) Alcohol Consumption is the correct answer.

2) In Regression, dependent variable is what we measure and which is affected in the experiment. In the given study, Self-Esteem is the dependent variable. Since, it is the one whose strength is tested against the other explanatory variables, alcohol consumption, grades and number of friends.

So, option (D) Self-Esteem is the correct answer.