coefficient of correlation

Alternative name for correlation coefficient.

Statistical measure of the relationship between two variables-that is, the extent to which one variable is affected by a change in another variable. The correlation coefficient indicates both the magnitude and the direction of that relationship. It ranges from + 1.0 to - 1.0. A perfect positive relationship is indicated by + 1.0, and a perfect inverse relationship by - 1.0; 0 means there is no relationship. See also coefficient of determination; correlation analysis.