What does the correlation coefficient measure?

The correlation coefficient quantifies the degree of relationship between two variables, indicating both the strength and direction of that relationship. When it comes to making predictions, a higher correlation coefficient implies that changes in one variable are closely associated with changes in another variable. This predictive aspect is crucial in social psychology and other fields, as researchers often seek to understand how one variable may influence or relate to another in a systematic manner.

While the correlation coefficient does inherently convey information about the strength of the relationship, which could suggest some level of predictive ability, its primary function is to outline the linear association between the two variables rather than delve into causal implications or the influence of external variables. Thus, the choice that reflects this predictive utility is the most accurate in the context of the correlation coefficient's purpose.