One of the Behavioral Research Case Studies in this chapter involved Agocha and Cooper's (1999) study of partner characteristics and intentions to practice safe sex. Below are the Pearson correlations between the likelihood that participants would discuss risks before having sex and several other variables.
a. In a stepwise regression analysis, which variable would enter the equation first? Why?
b. Can you tell which variable will enter the equation second? Why or why not?
c. Which variable is least likely to be included as a predictor in the final equation?
d. If a standard or simultaneous regression analysis was conducted on these data, what is the smallest that the multiple correlation between the five predictor variables and the criterion variable could possibly be? (This one will take some thought.)