Which correlation coefficient indicates the strongest negative relationship between SES and stress exposure?

• A. A. -0.20
• B. B. -0.05
• C. C. +0.15
• D. D. +0.50

Answer: (A)

To determine the strength and direction of the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and stress exposure, we look at the values of the correlation coefficients provided. A correlation coefficient can range from -1 to +1. A negative correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. The closer the value is to -1, the stronger the negative relationship.

In this context, a coefficient of -0.20 signifies a weak negative correlation, meaning that there is a slight tendency for stress exposure to decrease as SES increases, but it is not a very strong relationship. A coefficient of -0.05 indicates an even weaker negative relationship, suggesting almost no correlation. The positive coefficients, +0.15 and +0.50, indicate positive relationships, meaning that as SES increases, stress exposure also increases, which is contrary to the question's focus on a negative relationship.

Therefore, among the options provided, -0.20 is the strongest negative correlation available, implying that as SES increases, there is a slight decrease in stress exposure, albeit not very strongly. This choice correctly reflects a negative relationship in the context of the question.