Correlation

• Key features:

  • Measures the extent to which variables co-vary
  • No manipulation of variables by the researcher
  • Yields statistical results
  • Often uses questionnaires, surveys, or psychometric tests for data collection
• Characteristics of Correlation

  Correlational studies are a quantitative research method used to examine the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation.
• Types of Correlations

  1. Positive correlation: Variables increase together
  2. Negative (inverse) correlation: One variable increases as the other decreases
  3. Curvilinear relationships:

  • Inverted U-shape: Variables increase together up to a point, then one decreases
  • U-shape: One variable decreases as the other increases up to a point, then both increase
• Correlational:

  • Observes variables without manipulation
  • Limited control over extraneous variables
  • High external validity
• Strengths:

  1. High external validity, allowing generalization to other populations or settings
  2. Useful for studying variables that cannot be manipulated ethically or practically
  3. Can provide insights into potential causal relationships for further experimental study
• Weaknesses:

  1. Cannot establish causation, only association
  2. Limited control over extraneous variables
  3. Potential for confounding variables influencing results