CORRELATIONS

• what is a correlation?

  illustrates the strength and direction of an association between two co-varibles
• positive correlation

  co-variables increase together
• negative correlation

  as one co-variable increases the other decreases
• no correlation

  no relationship between variables
• difference between correlation and experiments

  in experiments the researcher manipulates the IV and records effect on DV

  in a correlation there is no manipulation of variables so cause and effect cannot be demonstrated
• strengths of correlations

  useful starting point for research - provide a measure of how 2 variables are related. can suggest a hypothesis for future research

  Relatively economical - no need for controlled environment and can use secondary data, less time consuming
• weaknesses of correlations

  no cause and effect - only show how two variables are related so can lead to false conclusions

  intervening variables - untested variable may explain relationship. could lead to false conclusions