Correlations

• Unlike with experiments, correlations are a technique used to investigate a relationship between two co-variables. The term co-variables is used rather than IV and DV because a correlation is only looking for a relationship between two variables rather than a difference (cause and effect). 
• • P- One strength of correlations is that they are a useful preliminary tool as a starting point for further research.
• • EBy assessing the strength and direction of a relationship, they provide a precise and quantifiable measure of how two variables are related.
• • EThis may suggest ideas for future for possible future research if variables are strongly related or demonstrate an interesting pattern.
• • LTherefore, correlations are valuable to researchers as a starting point before they commit to an experimental study which can increase the reliability of the findings.