allows psychologists to examine relationship between 2 co variables (which are not manipulated by psychologists)
data is displayed on scattergraphs
does NOT look at whether IV effects DV
correlation coefficients
tells us whether relationship is positive or negative, and how strong the relationship is
is a number between -1 and +1
stronger correlation = closer it is to 1
correlations - :) strengths
psychologists can study a topic where it would be unethical to carry out an experiment
strength of a relationship can be found using scattergraphs and calculating the correlation coefficient
correlations - :( weaknesses
cant establish cause and effect between co variables, can only make guesses
another variable may cause both variables to change
NICHD study - looked at american children and found positive correlation between time spent in daycare and levels of agression and disobedience - can only make guesses about why
