Correlations

• Define 'correlation'


  A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between two co variables
• Evaluate 'correlations'

  Strengths: quick & economical

  Weaknesses: can't tell us why variables are connected (cause and effect)
• Define 'correlation coefficient'

  A number between -1 and 1 which gives the strength and direction of the relationship
• Define 'positive correlation'

  As one co-variable increases so does the other
• Define 'negative correlation'

  As one co-variable increases the other decreases
• Compare 'correlations' to 'experiments'

  Correlation: investigates relationship, likely to be ethical, no manipulation of variables & impossible to infer causation

  Experiments: investigates a difference, likely to be unethical, manipulation of variables & possible to infer causation