correlations and meta analysis

• What is a correlation in research?

  An analysis of the relationship between co-variables
• How are variables treated in correlational research?

  They are measured and compared, not manipulated
• What is an example of pre-existing co-variables?

  School attendance and number of GCSEs achieved
• What is an example of co-variables measured for research?


  Arguments with a partner and stress levels
• What does a correlation use to analyze relationships?

  Two scores from co-variables
• How are scores represented on a scattergraph?

  As points, usually represented as 'x'
• What are the three outcomes shown in scattergraphs?

  Positive correlation, negative correlation, zero correlation
• What does a positive correlation indicate?

  One co-variable increases as the other increases
• What does a negative correlation indicate?

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

  There is no relationship between the co-variables
• How can the relationship between co-variables be analyzed?

  By visually inspecting scattergraphs or calculating correlation coefficients
• What does the correlation coefficient represent?

  The direction and strength of the relationship
• What value indicates a perfect positive correlation?

  +1
• What value indicates a perfect negative correlation?

  -1
• What value indicates no correlation?

  0
• How can correlation coefficients be described?

  As weak, moderate, or strong
• What is a weak positive correlation coefficient example?

  0.03
• What is a strong negative correlation coefficient example?

  -0.09
• What is a moderate negative correlation coefficient example?

  -0.05
• What are the strengths of correlation research?

  • Easy access to large data sets
  • High reliability due to quantitative data
  • Allows predictions based on relationships
• What are the limitations of correlation research?

  • Extraneous factors may affect results
  • Less effective for non-linear relationships
  • Cannot establish cause-effect relationships
• How do experiments differ from correlations?

  Experiments manipulate an independent variable
• What is the purpose of an experiment?

  To establish cause-effect relationships
• What is a key limitation of correlations?

  They cannot establish cause-effect relationships
• What is a meta-analysis?

  A quantitative method combining data from studies
• What does effect size refer to in meta-analysis?

  The strength of the relationship between variables
• What is a strength of meta-analysis?

  Reduces bias by using secondary data
• What is a limitation of meta-analysis?

  Researchers lack control over original data precision
• Why can meta-analysis be time-consuming?

  Accessing relevant studies can be difficult
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of meta-analysis?

  Strengths:

  • Less bias due to secondary data
  • Increases reliability with many studies
  • Generalizable findings to wider populations

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lack of control over original data
  • Time-consuming to access studies
• Primary data is the first data collected by a researcher for the first time.

  Whereas secondary data is a data that is already collected by someone earlier.