correlation

• What do correlations show between two co-variables?

  A relationship
• Why can't we conclude that one co-variable causes the other?

  Other unknown factors may affect the relationship
• How are correlations displayed visually?

  In a scatter graph or scattergram
• What is the range of correlation coefficients?

  Between -1 and +1
• What does a correlation coefficient indicate?

  The direction and strength of the relationship
• What are correlational hypotheses used for?

  To state relationships between two variables
• What types of correlational hypotheses can be formulated?

  Directional or non-directional
• What are the advantages of correlations in research?

  • Useful for exploratory research
  • Helps identify potential relationships
  • Ethical when manipulation is impractical
• What are the disadvantages of correlations?

  • Do not show cause and effect
  • Only indicate linked variables
  • External factors may influence results
• What is a spurious relationship?

  A relationship that is not actually related
• What can a spurious relationship also be called?

  A chance relationship
• When might a spurious relationship occur?

  With very large samples of participants
• Give an example of a spurious relationship.

  Teacher salaries and pieces of alcohol
• What are the key points to evaluate correlations?

  • Correlations show relationships, not causation
  • Can be influenced by external factors
  • Spurious relationships may occur