Correlations

• What is a correlation?

  A correlation is a mathematical technique used to investigate an association between two variables.
• How do correlations differ from experiments?

  In correlations, variables are measured, not manipulated like in experiments.
• What is the significance of correlation coefficients in correlational studies?

  Correlation coefficients determine the strength and relationship between two variables.
• What does a negative correlation indicate?

  A negative correlation indicates that when one variable increases, the other decreases.
• What does a positive correlation indicate?

  A positive correlation indicates that when one variable increases, the other also increases.
• What does a zero correlation indicate?

  A zero correlation indicates that no relationship is found between the co-variables.
• What is a curvilinear relationship?

  A curvilinear relationship occurs when one variable increases up to a point, after which it begins to decrease.
• What is an example of a curvilinear relationship?

  An example is the Yerkes-Dodson Law, which shows how anxiety affects eyewitness testimony.
• What is a directional hypothesis in correlational studies?

  A directional hypothesis states whether there will be a negative or positive correlation between the co-variables.
• What is a non-directional hypothesis in correlational studies?

  A non-directional hypothesis states that there will be a correlation, but the type is unknown.
• What are the strengths of correlations?

  • They can assess patterns between co-variables before conducting experiments.
  • Quick and economical to carry out.
  • Secondary data can be used, making it less time-consuming.
• What are the limitations of correlations?

  • Difficult to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
  • The third variable problem may exist.
  • Correlations can be misused or misinterpreted, especially in media.