correlations

• correlation

  researcher investigates an association between two co-variables
• co-variables

  variables investigated within a correlation
• positive correlation

  as one co-variable increases so does the other
• negative correlation

  as one co-variable increases the other decreases
• strengths of correlations

  • useful as a preliminary tool for research as they assess the strength and direction of a relationship which could suggest ideas for future research
  • quick and economical
  • no need for a controlled environment
  • secondary data can be collected.
• limitations of correlations

  • cannot establish a cause and effect between variables
  • there could be an intervening variable causing the relationship.
  • can be misused or misinterpreted.
• correlation co-efficient

  number between -1 and +1 that represents the direction and strength of a relationship between 2 co-variables