Correlations

• positive correlation

  • co variables increase together
• negative correlation

  • as on variable increases the other decreases
• correlation co efficient

  • represents strength of relationship
  • +1 represents a perfect positive correlation
  • -1 represents a perfect negative correlation
• pros

  • use existing data
  • exploratory research
• cons

  • no manipulation of IV - casual relationship cannot be established - we cannot be sure that a change in one variable caused the change in the other variable - low internal validity
  • intervening variables can explain why the variables are linked