Correlations

• What can analyzing two sets of data for a correlation reveal?

  Potential relationships and the strength of those relationships
• What does the term "correlation coefficient" refer to?

  A numerical measure of the strength and direction of a correlation
• How are correlations displayed visually?

  On a graph called a scattergram
• In a correlation study, what does a positive correlation indicate?

  When one co-variable increases, the other co-variable also increases
• What is a negative correlation?

  When one co-variable increases and the other decreases
• What does zero correlation indicate?

  There is no relationship between the co-variables
• What range does the correlation coefficient cover?

  From -1 to 1
• What does a correlation coefficient of 0.8 or higher indicate?

  A strong correlation
• What is a critical evaluation of correlation studies?

  Correlation does not imply causation
• What is a potential benefit of using correlations in research?

  They can highlight potential causal relationships for further investigation
• What is one ethical advantage of correlational research?

  It often involves measuring pre-existing variables
• What is the purpose of the correlation coefficient in research?

  To describe the strength of a correlation
• What are the key differences between correlational studies and experimental studies?

  • Correlational studies do not manipulate variables; they only measure.
  • Experimental studies involve manipulation of an independent variable to observe effects on a dependent variable.
• What are the strengths and limitations of correlational studies?

  Strengths:

  • Can highlight potential causal relationships
  • Few ethical issues with pre-existing variables

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Correlation does not imply causation
  • Potential for extraneous variables affecting results
• How can researchers visually represent correlation data?

  • By using a scattergram
  • Plotting co-variables on X and Y axes
  • Adding labels and a title to the graph
• What are the types of correlations that can be identified?

  • Positive correlation
  • Negative correlation
  • Zero correlation
• What is the significance of a correlation coefficient of -1 or 1?

  • -1 indicates a perfect negative correlation
  • 1 indicates a perfect positive correlation
• What statistical tests can be used to calculate correlation coefficients?

  • Pearson's correlation
  • Spearman's correlation