11.3.4 Correlational Studies

• Correlational studies explore the relationship between two or more variables
• Correlational studies establish cause and effect between variables.

  False
• What is the correlation coefficient (r) range in correlational studies?

  -1 to +1
• Correlation does not imply causation
• What is the primary purpose of correlational studies?

  Identify relationships between variables
• Correlational studies can determine causation between variables.

  False
• What are the two main types of variables in correlational studies?

  Co-variables and extraneous variables
• Co-variables are measured to determine the correlation coefficient
• Even if two variables are correlated, it means one directly causes the other.

  False
• Order the types of correlations based on their correlation coefficient (r) value from strongest positive to strongest negative:

  1️⃣ Positive Correlation (e.g., 0.75)

  2️⃣ No Correlation (e.g., 0.05)

  3️⃣ Negative Correlation (e.g., -0.60)
• What does a correlation coefficient of -0.60 indicate?

  Negative correlation
• Correlation between variables proves that one variable directly causes the other.

  False
• Co-variables are measured to identify relationships
• Correlational studies can determine causation between variables.

  False
• What are the two main types of variables identified in correlational studies?

  Co-variables and extraneous variables
• Extraneous variables can confound results if not properly controlled
• Data collection methods used in correlational studies

  1️⃣ Surveys

  2️⃣ Interviews

  3️⃣ Observations

  4️⃣ Archival data
• Surveys in correlational studies can collect data from a large sample efficiently.
• What does a positive correlation between two variables indicate?

  Both variables increase together
• A correlation coefficient close to 0 suggests a weak or non-existent relationship
• A correlation coefficient of -1 indicates a perfect negative correlation.
• What is the primary purpose of correlational studies compared to experimental studies?

  Explore relationships
• Unlike correlational studies, experimental studies involve the manipulation of variables
• What does a correlation coefficient of 0 indicate in a correlational study?

  No correlation
• Why are correlational studies valuable when experimental manipulation is impossible or unethical?

  They show how variables co-vary
• Correlation does not imply causation
• A positive correlation means as one variable increases, the other also increases.
• What is an example of a negative correlation?

  Cigarettes smoked and life expectancy
• No correlation exists when the r value is approximately 0
• In correlational studies, researchers manipulate variables to observe their effects.

  False
• What role do co-variables play in correlational studies?

  Help determine the correlation coefficient
• Extraneous variables can confound results if they are not properly controlled
• In a study on stress and sleep duration, stress levels and sleep duration are co-variables.
• What is a primary limitation of correlational studies regarding causation?

  They cannot determine causation
• Match the data collection method with its description:

  Surveys ↔️ Use questionnaires to collect data

  Interviews ↔️ Conduct structured or unstructured discussions

  Observations ↔️ Observe and record behavior
• What is a potential drawback of using surveys in correlational studies?

  Response bias
• Observations in correlational studies can provide real-time insights into behavior
• Observer bias is a potential concern in observational studies.
• What are correlational studies used to explore?

  Relationships between variables
• Surveys in correlational studies collect data using questionnaires