Pearson's r is a coefficient used in _____ research.

Pearson's r is a statistical measure that quantifies the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two continuous variables. It is widely used in correlational research, which is designed to explore and measure the relationship between variables without manipulating them. By applying Pearson's r, researchers can determine whether, and to what extent, changes in one variable are associated with changes in another variable.

In correlational studies, researchers often aim to understand how two variables relate to one another, making Pearson's r a fundamental tool. For example, if a researcher wanted to investigate the relationship between hours spent studying and exam scores, they could use Pearson’s r to assess how well these two variables correlate. A positive value of r would indicate a direct relationship, while a negative value would indicate an inverse relationship, and a value close to zero would suggest no correlation. Thus, Pearson's r is essential for interpreting the relationships that are the focus of correlational research.