Test of association between two variables is done by-
**Core Concept**
Correlation is a statistical method used to determine the relationship between two variables, often denoted as X (predictor variable) and Y (outcome variable). This test helps to establish whether there is a significant association between the two variables, indicating a potential cause-and-effect relationship.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Correlation analysis involves calculating a correlation coefficient (e.g., Pearson's r) to measure the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two continuous variables. This coefficient ranges from -1 (perfect negative correlation) to +1 (perfect positive correlation), with 0 indicating no correlation. By calculating the correlation coefficient, researchers can determine whether there is a significant association between the variables, allowing them to infer potential relationships.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The chi-square (X2) test is used for categorical data to determine whether there is a significant association between two variables. It is not suitable for continuous data, making it an incorrect choice for testing association between two continuous variables.
**Option C:** Regression analysis is used to establish a predictive model between a dependent variable (Y) and one or more independent variables (X). While it can be used to test the association between variables, it is not the primary method for establishing a correlation between two variables.
**Option D:** None is incorrect because correlation is indeed a method used to test the association between two variables.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that correlation does not imply causation. Establishing a correlation between two variables does not necessarily mean that one variable causes the other. Other factors, such as confounding variables, may influence the observed relationship.
**β Correct Answer: B. Correlation**