Question

A researcher studied the relation between psychotherapists' degree of empathy and their patients' satisfaction with therapy. As a pilot study, four patient-therapist pairs were studied, with the accompanying results. Complete parts (a) through (d) below. Click the icon to view the paired scores for therapist empathy and patient satisfaction. O A. The pattern shows a roughly positive linear correlation. B. The pattern shows a roughly negative linear correlation. C. The pattern shows no correlation. OD. The pattern shows a roughly curvilinear correlation. (c) Figure the correlation coefficient. (Round to two decimal places as needed.) (d) Give three logically possible directions of causality, saying for each whether it is a reasonable direction in light of the variables involved. Select all that apply. A. It could be that patient satisfaction causes therapist empathy. This is not a reasonable direction of causality, as satisfaction would have been measured after a session. B. It could be that therapist empathy causes patient satisfaction. This is a reasonable direction of causality, as patients are likely to appreciate the empathy. C. It could be that patient satisfaction causes therapist empathy. This is a reasonable direction of causality, as therapists will likely empathize more with satisfied patients. D. It could be that therapist empathy causes patient satisfaction. This is not a reasonable direction of causality, as therapists will only empathize with satisfied patients. E. It could be that inherent attitude influences empathy and satisfaction. This is a reasonable direction of causality, as some people are naturally happier than others.

Answer 1

X	Y	XY	X²	Y²
74	6	444	5476	36
90	7	630	8100	49
31	5	155	961	25
47	3	141	2209	9

Ʃx =	242
Ʃy =	21
Ʃxy =	1370
Ʃx² =	16746
Ʃy² =	119
Sample size, n =	4
x̅ = Ʃx/n = 242/4 =	60.5
y̅ = Ʃy/n = 21/4 =	5.25
SSxx = Ʃx² - (Ʃx)²/n = 16746 - (242)²/4 =	2105
SSyy = Ʃy² - (Ʃy)²/n = 119 - (21)²/4 =	8.75
SSxy = Ʃxy - (Ʃx)(Ʃy)/n = 1370 - (242)(21)/4 =	99.5

c)

Correlation coefficient, r = SSxy/√(SSxx*SSyy) = 99.5/√(2105*8.75) = 0.73

d)

All that apply:

• B. It could be that therapist empathy causes patient satisfaction. This is a reasonable direction of causality, as patients are likely to appreciate the empathy.
• C. It could be that patient satisfaction causes therapist empathy. This is a reasonable direction of causality, as therapists will likely empathize more with satisfied patients.
• E. It could be that inherent attitude influences empathy and satisfaction. This is a reasonable direction of causality, as some people are naturally happier than others.