Interpret the values of r as 1, –1 and 0.

The value of r being 1 implies that there is a perfect positive correlation between the two variables involved. A high value of r (i.e. close to 1) represents a strong positive linear relationship between the two variables.

If r = –1, then the correlation is perfectly negative. A negative value of r indicates an inverse relation. A low value of r (i.e. close to –1) represents a strong negative linear relationship between the variables. On the other hand, if the value of r = 0, then it implies that the two variables are uncorrelated to each other. But this should not be misunderstood as the variables are independent of each other. The value of r equals zero confirms only the non-existence of any linear relation but the variables may be non-linearly related to each other.