Four Different Predictor Variables A, B, C, and D) Were

Multiple Choice

Four different predictor variables A, B, C, and D) were measured. The researcher used the Pearson correlation coefficient to assess the relationship of each variable with the dependent variable. The resulting coefficients are summarized in the following table.
$$\begin{array} { c c c } \text { Variable } & r & r ^ { 2 } \\\hline \text { A } & 0.30 ^ { \star } & 0.09 \\\text { B } & - 0.98 ^ { * * } & 0.96 \\\text { C } & - 0.55 ^ { * \star } & 0.30 \\\text { D } & 0.15 & 0.02 \\{ } ^ { * } p < .05 ; { } ^ { * \star } p < .01 & &\end{array}$$
-Which predictor variable A, B, C, or D) has the strongest relationship positive or negative) with the dependent variable?

A) Variable B
B) Variable A
C) Variable D
D) Variable C