What does a high correlation coefficient (close to +1 or -1) indicate?

A high correlation coefficient, either close to +1 or -1, indicates a strong relationship between two variables. When the coefficient is close to +1, it signifies a strong positive correlation, meaning that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to also increase. Conversely, a coefficient close to -1 indicates a strong negative correlation, where an increase in one variable corresponds with a decrease in the other. This strong association implies that there is a consistent and predictable pattern of behavior between the two variables, which can be critical for understanding their relationship in research and data analysis. Understanding this concept is crucial for interpreting the strength and direction of relationships in statistical studies.