Correlations

• Strengths

  • Able to establish the strength and direction of a relationship between two co-variables
  • As a result this may help with guiding future research if interesting or strong patterns are found which can lead to revolutionary discoveries
  • Used as starting points so provide initial insight into a possible pattern before committing to an experimental study
  • Quick and economical to carry out as variables do not have to be manipulated and a controlled environment isn't required
  • Less time consuming as data collected by others can be used (secondary)
• Limitations

  • Cannot establish cause and effect relationships only simple links which means our understanding may be limited (e.g. which co-variable is affecting the other)
  • Extraneous variables may be more significant and may account for changes as an untested variable (third variable problem)
  • Correlations can easily be misinterpreted such as claiming links as facts or causes