Assignment 2: Correlation and Regression

A human resources (HR) manager wants to know if annual performance review scores can be predicted by the number of vacation days taken during the year and the number of dependents an employee claims. She randomly pulls the vacation, W-2, and performance review records of twenty employees. The data is presented below.
Employee Number of Vacation Days Taken Number of Dependents Overall Performance Rating (from 1 [lowest] to 4 [highest])
1 10 2 2.9
2 12 3 2.4
3 10 4 2
4 15 2 2.3
5 14 3 3.2
6 12 5 1.9
7 13 1 3.4
8 15 3 2.1
9 16 2 2.9
10 14 3 2.4
11 13 4 2
12 12 2 2.3
13 11 3 3.2
14 10 5 1.9
15 13 1 3.4
16 13 3 2.1
17 14 2 2.9
18 18 3 3.4
19 17 4 3
20 14 0 3.3
Using the above data, run a correlation matrix and then run a regression analysis in Microsoft Excel that will answer the human resources (HR) manager’s question. Examine the results and consider the implications. Write a 3- to 4-page paper based on the results and implications. Make sure to include your data printout and justify your responses. In your paper, address the following questions:
• Identify the R-squared value for this data set, along with the R-value. Explain what each means.
• Describe what the F-test and the p value tell us in general and name each for these data sets and analyses.
• Explain what can be learned from the multiple regression that may not be known from the correlation matrix.
• Justify whether performance review scores can be predicted by the number of days of vacation taken, dependents claimed, or vacation days taken in combination with the number of dependents. Support your position.
• Describe any potential ethical or legal concerns related to this research. Provide a rationale backed by authoritative references to support your position.
Your final product should include your Microsoft Excel computations and a 3- to 4-page Microsoft Word document. Utilize a minimum of three scholarly sources.
Use the following headings and subheadings to organize your paper:
• Defining and explaining concepts
o Prediction
o R-squared and R-value
o F-test
o p value
o Correlation coefficient versus regression weight (beta value)
• Results
• Discussion and implications of results
• References
• Appendix (Microsoft Excel printout)

Grading Criteria Proficient Maximum Points
Identify the R-squared value for this data set, along with the R value. Explain what each means. R-squared and R values are accurately identified. The explanation of what each value means in the research is clear and accurate. 12
Describe what the F-test and the p value tell us in general and name each for these data sets and analyses. The overall general purpose of F-test and p value is accurate and clear. Specific information related to F-test and p value for the scenario is accurately provided. 12
Explain what can be learned from the multiple regression that may not be known from the correlation matrix. Information that may be gained from multiple regression but may not be gained from the correlation matrix is accurately identified. The purpose of both the multiple regression and the correlation matrix is accurate. 12
Justify whether performance review scores can be predicted by the number of days of vacation taken, dependents claimed, or vacation days taken in combination with the number of dependents. Whether an appropriate prediction can be made is justified using the information provided. 20
Describe any potential ethical or legal concerns related to this research. Provide a rationale backed by authoritative references to support your position. All relevant ethical or legal concerns based on predicting performance review on the basis of vacation days used and/or dependents claimed are accurate. The effect on the organization of predicting performance reviews in this manner is supported with scholarly sources. 24
Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., in APA format); and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The paper is written in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrates ethical scholarship in appropriate and accurate representation and attribution of sources; and displays accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Use of scholarly sources aligns with specified assignment requirements. 20
Total: 100