The relationship between the Pearson correlation and a simple regression coefficient
The Pearson correlation equals the beta coefficient in SPSS which is the regression estimate from using one standardized predictor to predict a standardized outcome. The t-test in the regression for the unstandardized coefficient, B, is equivalent to testing if a correlation equals zero. The regression model is assumed to contain the intercept as well as the predictor.
The following syntax in SPSS is equivalent
REGRESSION /MISSING LISTWISE /STATISTICS COEFF OUTS R ANOVA /CRITERIA=PIN(.05) POUT(.10) /NOORIGIN /DEPENDENT y /METHOD=ENTER x .
CORRELATIONS /VARIABLES=y x /PRINT=TWOTAIL NOSIG /MISSING=PAIRWISE .
Reference
Cohen, J., & Cohen, P. (1983). Applied multiple regression/correlation analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd edition). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.