Cautions in the Interpretation of the Partial Correlation Coefficient

The partial correlation coefficient is derived analytically under exemplary factor patterns. In these patterns, variables are described as an additive composition of a set of orthogonal factors, including general, common, and specific factors. Viewed in this framework, it is evident that the partial correlation may yield spurious results. Partialling out an infallible variable or a variable with no unique component does not necessarily yield an interpretable coefficient. Examples from the literature are given where an understanding of the underlying factor pattern facilitates interpretation of the computed partial correlation coefficient.