Correlations

• What is a correlation in research methods?

  Analysis of the relationship between co-variables
• What is the key difference between correlations and experiments?

  Correlations do not manipulate variables, while experiments do
• What are the two types of correlations mentioned?

  Positive and negative correlations
• What does a positive correlation indicate?

  As one variable increases, the other also increases
• What does a negative correlation indicate?

  As one variable increases, the other decreases
• What is the range of a correlation coefficient?

  -1 to +1
• What does a correlation coefficient close to +1 or -1 indicate?

  A strong correlation between the variables
• If a study finds a correlation coefficient of -0.8 between two variables, what does this indicate?

  A strong negative correlation
• What is the main limitation of correlational research?

  It does not indicate causation
• What is the directionality problem in correlational research?

  It is unclear which variable influences the other
• What is an example of an extraneous variable that could explain the correlation between ice cream sales and aggressive crimes?

  Temperature or weather conditions
• Why might correlational research be a good first step in exploring new areas of study?

  It can suggest further experimental research to investigate causality
• What is a scattergram used for in correlational research?

  To visually display the relationship between two variables
• How would you design a study to determine if ice cream causes aggressive behavior?

  Conduct an experiment with controlled conditions
• Why can't correlational research control extraneous variables?

  Because it does not involve manipulation of variables
• What is the main strength of correlational research?

  It can uncover relationships between variables without manipulation
• Why might correlational research be less time-consuming than experimental research?

  It involves collecting data on naturally occurring variables
• What is the significance of the phrase "correlation does not equal causation"?

  It highlights that a relationship between variables does not imply one causes the other
• If a study finds a correlation between sleep deprivation and poor mental health, what is the directionality problem?

  It is unclear if sleep deprivation causes poor mental health or vice versa
• What is the purpose of plotting data on a graph in correlational research?

  To visually analyze the relationship between variables
• Why might correlational research be useful for studying variables that cannot be manipulated ethically?

  It allows researchers to study relationships without manipulation
• What is the main weakness of correlational research in terms of controlling variables?

  It lacks the ability to control extraneous variables
• What is an example of a situation where correlational research would be more appropriate than experimental research?

  Studying the relationship between childhood trauma and adult mental health
• What is the significance of the correlation coefficient in correlational research?

  It indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between variables
• What is the main purpose of a scattergram in correlational research?

  To visually display the relationship between two variables
• If a study finds a correlation coefficient of 0.3, what does this indicate?

  A weak positive correlation
• Why might correlational research be less expensive than experimental research?

  It involves collecting data on naturally occurring variables
• What is the main limitation of correlational research in terms of determining relationships?

  It cannot determine the direction of the relationship
• What is an example of a situation where correlational research would be less appropriate than experimental research?

  Studying the effect of a new drug on blood pressure
• What is the main strength of correlational research in terms of ethical considerations?

  It allows researchers to study variables that cannot be manipulated ethically
• What is the main weakness of correlational research in terms of determining causality?

  It cannot determine causation between variables