A researcher calculates a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.85 between daily calorie intake and body weight in a sample of 50 adults. Which interpretation is most accurate?

• A 85% of the variation in body weight is explained by calorie intake
• B The relationship is statistically significant at p < 0.05 regardless of sample size
• C Calorie intake causes increased body weight
• D There is a strong positive linear association between calorie intake and body weight ✓

Explanation

A correlation coefficient of 0.85 indicates a strong positive linear association. Option A is wrong because the coefficient of determination r squared equals 0.7225, meaning about 72% of variation is explained, not 85%. Option C is wrong because correlation does not prove causation. Option B is wrong because statistical significance depends on sample size; with very small samples even high r may not be significant.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

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