Correlational research

• What is correlational research?

  > Establishes the strength of a relationship between two measured variables (co-variables)

  > Measures relationship strength rather than the difference

  > Quantitative data

  > E.g. scatter diagrams
• What is a correlation coefficient?

  > Specific measure that quantifies the strength

  > Represented by the letter 'r'

  > Value ranges from -1 to +1

  > Establishes how close the co-variables are related
• What are the strengths of correlational research?

  Preliminary analysis on data

  • weak correlation = not a causal relationship
  • strong correlation = causal relationship

  Self-report data

  • questionnaires
  • no manipulation of IV, more ethical
• What are the weakness of correlational research?

  Indicates a relationship between two co-variables

  • doesn't imply causation, limiting use of findings

  Self-report data

  • may give socially desirable answers
  • reduces validity