correlations

• what is a correlation?

  measures the relationship between 2 variables
• what are the 2 variables called?

  co variables
• name 4 features of a correlation?

  1. measures relationship between 2 variables
  2. can be positive/negative/0
  3. can be strong/weak
  4. can be represented as a correlation coefficient/scattergram
• how to measure correlations?

  numerically - correlation coefficient

  pictorally - scattergram
• strength of correlational research?

  • can be used when an experiment is impractical/unethical
  • would be more appropriate than an experiment when doing sensitive research
  • as allows us to gain knowledge on relationships between behaviours important to psychology that are usually hard to test otherwise due to ethical restrictions
• X of correlational research?

  • can not establish cause & effect
  • it simply states how co-variables are linked together & relationship between them
  • there is no manipulation of iv so it doesnt say which variable causes relationship to occur
  • not able to provide us with enough detail into nature of relationships between co-variables
  • means further experimental research is needed - costs time & money
• explain correlation coefficient?

  always between -1 & +1

  the nearer the number is to either of them, the stronger the correlation
• what does +1 mean?

  perfect positive correlation
• what does -1 mean?

  a perfect negative correlation
• what does 0 mean?

  no correlation between variables
• positive correlation?

  • as one variable increases so does other
• negative correlation?

  • as one variable increases other decreases