Correlation and Regression

Definition of independent and dependent (controlled and response) variables.
Plot scatter diagrams of bivariate data, including the mean point and draw a line of best fit by eye. Understand positive, negative, strong, weak and no correlation.
Calculation and interpretation of the product-moment correlation coefficient (using both a calculator and spreadsheet).
Include the fact that correlation does not necessarily imply cause and effect, that a third variable may underlie correlation and that not all relationships are linear.
Discuss the principle of least squares. Find the equation of a regression line using both a calculator and spreadsheet. Draw the regression line (by hand and spreadsheet) and interpret regression coefficients in context.

Extension Opportunity – rank correlation coefficients, non-linear models.