Correlations + analysis and interpretations of correlations

• What is a correlation?

  A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between 2 variables, called co-variables
• Which type of graph is used to present correlations?

  A scattergram
• What are three types of correlation?

  Positive , negative and zero
• What is a positive correlation?

  As one co-variable increases or decreases, so does the other
• What is a negative correlation?

  As one co-variable increases or decreases the other does the opposite
• What is a zero correlation?

  When there is no relationship between the co-variables
• What are intervening variables?

  Other variables which may have an effect on the co-variables
• What are 2 strengths of correlations?

  1. useful preliminary tool for research - provide measure of how 2 variables are related which may suggest ideas for possible future research

  2. quick and economical to carry out
• What are 2 limitations of correlations?

  1. they do not proivde a cause and effect relationship between variables

  2. third variable problem - there may be another untested variable causing the relationship between 2 co-variables
• What is the difference between a correlation and experiment?

  In an experiment there is a manipulation of the IV to measure the effect on the DV, whereas with correlations there is no manipulation
• What is a correlation coefficient?

  A number between -1 and +1 that tells us the strength and direction of the relationship between two co-variables
• What does the sign before the correlation coefficient tell us?

  The direction of the relationship between two co-variables (positive or negative)