Correlation is a statistical tool that measures the quantitative relationship between different variables. It studies the degree and intensity of the connection between the two variables. The relationship between two variables is studied with the help of a statistical tool i.e. ‘Correlation’.
Types of Correlation
Based on the nature of the relationship between the two variables, correlation can be broadly classified into the following three categories:
- Positive and Negative Correlation
- Linear and Curvilinear Correlation
- Simple and Multiple Correlation
Positive correlation
A positive correlation between two variables exists when both of them move in the same direction. In other words, if with the increase in one variable, the other also increases, and with the decrease in one variable the opposite also decreases
then, the 2 variables are said to be positively correlated. For example, in summers as the temperature rises, the demand for soft drinks rises. Thus, the demand for soft drinks and temperatures are positively correlated.
Negative correlation
Two variables are said to be negatively correlated if the two variables move in the opposite direction. In other words, when one variable increases and the other variable falls, the two variables are said to be negatively correlated. For example, in winters as the temperature falls, the demand for room heaters increases. Thus, the demand for room heaters and temperature is negatively correlated.
Linear correlation
If the ratio for change between the two variables is constant or fixed, then the 2 variables are said to be linearly correlated.
Curvilinear correlation (Non-linear)
As against, linear correlation, if the ratio of change between the two variables is not constant, then the two variables are said to be curvilinearly correlated.
Simple correlation
The study of the relationship between only two variables is known as a simple correlation. For example, the relationship between price and demand.
Multiple correlations
The study of relationships among three or more than three variables simultaneously is called multiple correlations. For example, the study of the relationship between price, demand, tastes, and income of the consumers.
Degrees of Correlation
The degree or the extent of correlation between two variables is described by the value of the correlation coefficients. The degrees of correlation are:
- Perfect Correlation
- Zero Correlation
- Limited Degree of Correlation
Perfect correlation
The perfect correlation exists when two variables change in exactly equal proportion. It is often further classified into two categories.
- Perfect Positive Correlation
- Perfect Negative Correlation
Perfect positive correlation: When the proportional change in two variables is within the same direction, then it is called a perfect positive correlation. For a perfect positive correlation between two variables, the value of the correlation coefficient is equal to +1.
Perfect negative correlation: There exists a perfect negative correlation between two variables if the proportional change in the two variables is in the opposite direction. The value of the correlation coefficient for a perfect negative correlation is – 1.
Zero correlation
If there is no relation between two variables, i.e. change in one variable has no effect on the change in the other, then the variable lacks correlation. The value of the correlation coefficient for zero correlation equals zero.
Note: A zero correlation between any two variables does not mean that there is no relationship at all between them. In fact, it should be interpreted that the 2 variables are not linearly related. However, it may be possible that the two variables may be nonlinearly related to each other.
Limited degree of correlation
Between the extremes of perfect correlation and zero correlation, there exists a limited degree of correlation. This implies that although the two variables are related, an increase (or decrease) in one variable is not accompanied by an equal proportionate increase (or decrease) in the other variable. In this case, the value of the correlation coefficient lies between zero and one.
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