A correlation coefficient (r) of -0.85 between physical activity and BMI indicates:

• A Strong positive correlation
• B Weak negative correlation
• C No correlation
• D Strong negative correlation ✓

Explanation

Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) ranges from -1 to +1. An r of -0.85 indicates a strong negative correlation: as physical activity increases, BMI tends to decrease strongly. Correlation strength: |r| 0.0–0.3 weak; 0.3–0.7 moderate; 0.7–1.0 strong. The negative sign denotes inverse relationship. Note that correlation does not imply causation.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.