Correlations

• What do correlations show?

  How things are linked together
• What type of data do correlations use?

  Continuous numerical data
• What is a scatter diagram used for?

  To plot correlation data
• Where is one co-variable placed in a scatter diagram?

  On the x-axis
• What happens at the point where co-variables meet in a scatter diagram?

  A dot is placed
• What are the types of correlation?

  • Positive: Both co-variables increase together
  • Negative: One co-variable increases while the other decreases
  • Zero: No relationship between co-variables
• What is a strength of using correlations in research?

  They are a good starting point for research
• How can correlations be useful in terms of relationships?

  They can investigate curvilinear relationships
• What is a major weakness of correlations?

  They don't show cause and effect
• Why might conclusions drawn from correlations be wrong?

  No control of extraneous variables
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of correlations?

  Strengths:

  • Good starting point for research
  • Can investigate curvilinear relationships

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Don't show cause and effect
  • No control of extraneous variables