Correlations

• What do correlations show in psychology?

  How two variables are linked together
• What do correlations tell us about the relationship between co-variables?

  The strength and direction of the association
• How are co-variables represented in correlations?

  As numbers in a quantitative format
• How might aggression be quantified in a correlation study?

  On a scale of 1–10
• What is the purpose of a scatter diagram in correlations?

  To plot co-variables and show their relationship
• Where is one co-variable placed on a scatter diagram?

  On the x-axis
• Where is the other co-variable placed on a scatter diagram?

  On the y-axis
• What does a positive correlation indicate?

  Both co-variables increase together
• What does a negative correlation indicate?

  One co-variable increases while the other decreases
• What does zero correlation mean?

  No relationship between co-variables
• What are the strengths of using correlations in research?

  • Good starting point for research
  • Ideas for future investigations
  • Investigate complex relationships
• How can correlations be beneficial for future research?

  They provide ideas for future investigations
• What are the weaknesses of using correlations in research?

  • Do not show cause and effect
  • Intervening variables may affect results
  • No control of extraneous variables
• What is a major limitation of correlations in determining relationships?

  They do not show cause and effect
• What can intervening variables do in correlation studies?

  Affect the co-variables and results
• Why is the lack of control over extraneous variables a weakness in correlations?

  It can lead to incorrect conclusions