What does correlation in assessment measure?

Correlation in assessment specifically measures the strength of the relationship between two variables. It indicates how one variable may change in relation to another and quantifies the degree of this association through correlation coefficients, which can range from -1 to 1. A correlation coefficient close to 1 suggests a strong positive relationship, while a value close to -1 indicates a strong negative relationship. A coefficient near zero implies little to no relationship between the variables.

Understanding correlation is essential in various fields, such as education and psychology, as it helps professionals determine how different factors may be interrelated. For instance, in educational assessments, a strong correlation might demonstrate that higher study time is associated with better test scores, thus providing insights into effective practices for enhancing learning outcomes.