mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between two variables= co variables
co-variables
variable investigated within a correlation, for example height and weight
positive correlation
as one co-variable increases so does the other. for example, the number as one co-variable increases so does the other. for example, the number in a room and noise are positively correlated
negative correlation
as one co-variable increases and the other decreases e.g., number of people in a room and the personal space
zero correlation
no relationship between variables
correlations (evaluation)
strengths:
useful preliminary tool
quick and economical to carry out, using secondary data
