National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

When does the strongest linear correlation typically occur according to the slope value?

1. 0.50 and 0.75

2. 0.65 and 0.85

3. 0.85 and 1

4. 0 and 0.50

The correct answer is: 0.85 and 1

The strongest linear correlation typically occurs with slope values ranging from 0.85 to 1. A slope value closer to 1 indicates a very strong positive correlation, meaning that as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase significantly. Values approaching 1 imply that the relationship between the two variables is not only strong but also consistent, showing very little deviation. In contrast, the other ranges fall below this threshold. While a slope value of 0.50 to 0.75 indicates a moderate correlation and may suggest some relationship between the variables, it is not as strong or definitive. Similarly, values between 0.65 and 0.85, while indicative of a moderate to strong relationship, still do not reach the strength of correlation seen in the upper range. Finally, values between 0 and 0.50 reflect weak to moderate correlation, where the variables do not show a reliable or strong association. Therefore, the range from 0.85 to 1 is where we see the strongest linear correlation, providing a robust indicator of how closely linked two variables are in their relationship.