A researcher aiming to demonstrate that stable, internal and global (self-blame) attributions for negative events cause depression must achieve a correlation of +0.50 or greater between measures of attribution and depression symptoms.

Attribution

the process of explaining one's own behavior and the behavior of others, which can influence social perceptions and interactions.

Depression Symptoms

Clinical features of depression, which may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep.