AO3 - Correlations

• One strength of correlational analysis is that there is no manipulation of the variables so it is appropriate to use when studying sensitive issues that may raise ethical issues or when it would be inappropriate to manipulate a situation (AO2 - What would be unethical to manipulate? e.g. is there a relationship between addiction and stress?) whereas in an experiment it would be impractical and unethical to investigate a cause and effect.
• Another strength of correlational analysis is that correlations are often used as a starting point to assess possible patterns. If a relationship is found between the two variables it could be suggested that we can predict one variable may impact on the other. Therefore this may aid further experimental research into the topic or save time and money if no relationship is found before researchers commit to an experimental study.
• One limitation of correlational analysis is that it is difficult to establish cause and effect between the two variables as only a relationship is found between the two variables (AO2). Therefore other extraneous variables could have been responsible for the relationship found (AO2) which lowers the internal validity.
• Another limitation of correlational analysis is that correlations can be misinterpreted by the media and society when a link has been found between two variables. Some may assume a conclusion can be made about the causes for the relationship which can then be misused by the public to support or contradict an argument