Quick Answer
The answer is a correlation matrix. This EDA technique for feature-target correlation quantifies the linear relationship between each numeric feature and the target variable, typically using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, which ranges from -1 to +1 to indicate strength and direction. On the AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty MLS-C01 exam, this concept tests your ability to efficiently screen high-dimensional datasets for predictive features, as scatter plots are too slow for many features and histograms or box plots only show distributions, not relationships. A common trap is choosing scatter plots because they visualize correlation, but the exam emphasizes scalability—a correlation matrix gives you all pairwise values at once. Memory tip: think of the matrix as a “cheat sheet” for feature importance, where values near ±1 are your strongest candidates for modeling.
This MLS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of exploratory data analysis. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A data scientist is analyzing a dataset with many features and wants to identify which features are most correlated with the target variable. Which EDA technique should be used?
Box plots grouped by target
Why wrong: Box plots show distributions by category, not correlation.
Scatter plot matrix
Why wrong: Scatter plot matrix is useful but not the most efficient for many features.
Histogram of each feature
Why wrong: Histograms show distribution, not correlation.
Correlation matrix
Correlation matrix provides a compact view of pairwise correlations.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Correlation matrix
A correlation matrix shows pairwise correlations between all numeric features and the target. Option A is wrong because scatter plots can only show one pair at a time. Option B is wrong because histograms show distributions, not correlations. Option D is wrong because box plots show distributions per category, not correlations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Box plots grouped by target
Why it's wrong here
Box plots show distributions by category, not correlation.
Scatter plot matrix
Why it's wrong here
Scatter plot matrix is useful but not the most efficient for many features.
Histogram of each feature
Why it's wrong here
Histograms show distribution, not correlation.
Correlation matrix
Why this is correct
Correlation matrix provides a compact view of pairwise correlations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Box plots show distributions by category, not correlation.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which MLS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Exploratory Data Analysis — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Exploratory Data Analysis — This question tests Exploratory Data Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Correlation matrix — A correlation matrix shows pairwise correlations between all numeric features and the target. Option A is wrong because scatter plots can only show one pair at a time. Option B is wrong because histograms show distributions, not correlations. Option D is wrong because box plots show distributions per category, not correlations.
Identify which MLS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This MLS-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the MLS-C01 exam.
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