correlation coefficient
a statistical measure that when squared gives the degree of association between the values of two random variables. Most correlation coefficients are normalized so that they have values between +1 (perfect correlation) and −1 (perfect inverse correlation); a value of 0 indicates no correlation. As the absolute value of the correlation coefficient increases, so does the strength of correlation. When not otherwise specified, Pearson correlation coefficient is meant. The true theoretical correlation coefficient for a population is symbolized ρ; the sample correlation coefficient, computed from experimental data, estimates the theoretical and is symbolized r>.
Medical dictionary.
2011.