A Comparison of Correlational Methods

Abstract

Attempts were made to determine if the use of rho, interval ranks, poly-nominal, or multiple correlation were more effective than the product-moment correlation technique in selected situations. Data used were 27 physical performance measures obtained from 76 male university subjects. Results indicated that the use of rho and interval ranks was less effective than the product-moment technique. Curvilinear correlation techniques, rather than the product-moment r, should be used in some instances. Multiple correlation does not seem to be a great improvement over the product-moment correlation technique.