Correlational studies

• Correlations show the direction and strength between two variables. This can be illustrated via a scattergram where one variable sits on x-axis and the other is on the y-axis.
• A positive correlation means both variables increase together.

  
  

  A negative correlation means as one variable increases, the other decreases.

  
  

  Zero correlation means there's no relationship between these variables.
• Strength) There is no need for a controlled environment and you can use secondary data in a correlational study. This means they are less time-consuming.

  
  

  Limitation) Because there is no direct manipulation of an IV, a cause-and-effect relationship cannot be established.