Pearson correlation interpretation audit
Verified methods: 2026-11-02

Instructions: Save a copy and complete each blank. Use fictional or aggregate values only; never enter patient identifiers. Record unresolved issues instead of inventing answers. This is a planning aid, not expert approval.

DEFINE PAIRED MEASUREMENTS
Variables, units, population and timing: ______
Independent pair definition: ______
Complete-pair n; exclusions and missingness: ______
Repeated observations/clusters present? ______

INSPECT BEFORE COMPUTING
Scatterplot reviewed for shape, clusters and influential observations: ______
Measurement range, floor/ceiling effects, errors checked: ______
Reason Pearson correlation is appropriate: ______

CHECK INTERVAL
Sample Pearson r: ______; n: ______
Fisher z = atanh(r): ______
SE on z scale = 1/sqrt(n−3): ______
95% limits = tanh(z ± 1.959964 × SE): ______
Independent reference calculation: ______
Linked approximation requires n>3, |r|<1 and an approximately bivariate normal model.

INTERPRET
Association and uncertainty in context: ______
Why this does not establish agreement or causation: ______
Sensitivity analysis / alternative method if assumptions fail: ______
Reporting decision, date and responsible role: ______

Project/version: ______  Completion date: ______