Correlations are a way to show a relationship between two variables (co-variables) to see how variables exist alongside each other. No IV and no DV (no cause and effect). Allows us to see if two variables are related and how strongly. E.g., the hotter the weather, the more ice cream people buy.
What is a positive correlation?
Both variables increase/decrease together.
What is a negative correlation?
As one variable increases, the other decreases.
When would we use correlation?
To test a hypothesis between the relationship of two variables. When an experiment would be unethical, we can test a naturally occurring relationship.
What is a weakness of correlation?
Just because two variables increase together does not mean an increase in one causes an increase in the other. This is a weakness as researchers cannot establish and cause and effect relationship purely from correlation, e.g., correlation suggests smoking causes cancer but we cannot establish this as other variables may be responsible.
