Correlations

• What is a correlation?

  It illustrates the strength and direction of an association between 2 co-variables.
• Positive correlation

  Co-variables increase together.
• Negative correlation

  One co-variable increases, the other decreases.
• Zero correlation

  No relationship between variables.
• Difference between correlations and experiments

  • In an experiment the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV.
  • In a correlation there is no manipulation of the variables, so the cause and effect can’t be demonstrated.
• Strengths of correlations

  • Useful starting point for research as by assessing the strength and direction of a relationship, correlations provide a measure of how 2 variables are related, so a future hypothesis may be made.
  • It is relatively economical as there is no need for a controlled environment so it’s less time-consuming than experiments.
• Limitations of correlations

  • No cause and effect as correlations are causal which can lead to false conclusions about the causes of behaviour.
  • There may be intervening variables which may also lead to false conclusions.