What correlation method to use

1. Which method is best for correlation?
2. Should I use Pearson or Spearman correlation?
3. What statistical method is used for correlation?
4. When should I use Pearson correlation?

Which method is best for correlation?

The Pearson correlation method is the most common method to use for numerical variables; it assigns a value between − 1 and 1, where 0 is no correlation, 1 is total positive correlation, and − 1 is total negative correlation.

Should I use Pearson or Spearman correlation?

One more difference is that Pearson works with raw data values of the variables whereas Spearman works with rank-ordered variables. Now, if we feel that a scatterplot is visually indicating a “might be monotonic, might be linear” relationship, our best bet would be to apply Spearman and not Pearson.

What statistical method is used for correlation?

The best way to compare several pairs of data is to use a statistical test — this establishes whether the correlation is really significant. Spearman's Rank correlation coefficient is a technique which can be used to summarize the strength and direction (negative or positive) of a relationship between two variables.

When should I use Pearson correlation?

When should I use the Pearson correlation coefficient? You should use the Pearson correlation coefficient when (1) the relationship is linear and (2) both variables are quantitative and (3) normally distributed and (4) have no outliers.