Correlational research

• Correlational research is the extent to which two variables are associated in a trend or a systematic pattern. Normally quantitive data
• Data for correlations can be acquired through

  • Observations
  • Questionnaires
  • Experiments
• Co variables are the two variables in a correlational study. There are no IV and DV
• A positive correlation is high values on one variable are associated with high values on the other variable OR low low
• A negative correlation is where high values are associated with low values on the other variable
• A scatter diagram is a visual representation of a correlational study. the strength is indicated by the strength and the direction is indicated by the slope
• No correlation = No association
• A correlation coefficient can be any number between -1 and +1. This number says the strength
• 1 is perfect

  0.7+ is strong

  0.7-0.4 is mid

  0.001-0.3 is weak
• Strengths of correlational research

  • Identification of relationships when it is difficult or unethical to manipulate IV
  • A starting point for future research (funding)
  • Objective and easily replicated using quantitive data
• Weaknesses of correlational research

  • No cause and effect relationship (unknown variable)
  • Can be measured incorrectly (hard to quantify)
  • correlations can be missused by the media