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Nursing QUESTION #9187
Question 1
In a research study, a Charge Nurse calculates the Pearson correlation coefficient between patient anxiety scores and recovery time. The result is \(r = -0.82\). What does this indicate?
  • A strong positive correlation: as anxiety increases, recovery time increases
  • A strong negative correlation: as anxiety increases, recovery time decreases✔️
  • A weak negative correlation with no clinical significance
  • No meaningful relationship between the two variables
Correct Answer Explanation
Correct Answer: B

The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) ranges from \(-1\) to \(+1\).
  • \(r = -0.82\) indicates a strong negative correlation.
  • A negative sign means the two variables move in opposite directions: as patient anxiety increases, recovery time decreases — or vice versa.
  • The magnitude \(|r| = 0.82\) is close to 1, indicating a strong relationship.
Interpretation guide:
r valueStrength
\(0.00 - 0.19\)Very weak
\(0.20 - 0.39\)Weak
\(0.40 - 0.59\)Moderate
\(0.60 - 0.79\)Strong
\(0.80 - 1.00\)Very strong