A correlation analysis between body mass index and systolic blood pressure in 100 adults yields a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.15 with p = 0.14. Which statement is correct?
- A There is no statistically significant linear association between BMI and systolic BP ✓
- B The correlation is statistically significant at the 5% level
- C There is a strong positive correlation between BMI and systolic BP
- D The correlation coefficient indicates a moderate negative relationship
Correct answer: A. There is no statistically significant linear association between BMI and systolic BP
Explanation
The p-value of 0.14 exceeds the conventional significance threshold of 0.05, so the observed correlation is not statistically significant. While r = 0.15 suggests a weak positive association, it cannot be distinguished from chance in this sample. Option C confuses the magnitude, and option B misinterprets the p-value threshold.
Reference: Mahajan's Methods in Biostatistics, 9th ed.
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