HA 478: RESEARCH LITERACY PROJECT 5: CORRELATION (STRENGTH OF ASSOCIATION)

Refer to the WI COVID 19 table. FILE TO THIS TABLE IS ATTACHED BELOW

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Describe and compare the trends over the six months for the Cols B, C AND D.
1.1 For example: “the COV19 trends for Col B & C “wane and wax” (look up this phrase!) with a
considerable move up in July.” You might also mention the considerable dip in June.
1.2 Describe the trend for Col D (HINT: does not wane and wax; how to describe the trend?).
1.3 Show a figure for each of the trends (3 separate figs – one each for B, C and D). NOTE: the
figs cannot be on a single chart because the scales are different).
2. Run the CORR test for cols B with D, and C with D. Why are these comparisons of interest?
2.1 HINT: if the trend in Col D is unidirectional (moves in one direction) and the other two trends
are not what would you expect the STRENGTH OF ASSOCIATION (correlation) for B & C to
be with D?
2.2 Show the CORR table for the two pairs.
3. Interpret your findings. Be sure to discuss your explanations under questions 1 and 2. Possible
explanations include…
3.1 “The number of people vaccinated (Col D) over the 6 months increased with each successive
month.” (What about B & C?)
3.2 Describe the comparative differences for columns B and C compared to D. These findings did
not increase each month. What would you anticipate to the strength of association (CORR) to
be for the two comparisons?
3.3 Interpret the correlations for B with D, and C with D. Propose a conclusion with a policy
suggestion. Is there a “challenge” with the vaccine strategy? How would you describe this
“challenge”?