Correlations

• Correlations

  Illustrate the strength and direction of an association between 2 or more co-variables (things that are being measured). Correlations are plotted on a scattergram.
• Positive correlation


  When variables move in the same direction. When one variable increases, so does the other
• Negative correlation

  When variables move in different conditions. When one variable decreases, so does the other
• Zero correlation


  No relationship between variables
• Difference between correlations and experiments

  The research cannot manipulate the IV and cannot establish a cause and effect between one co-variable and the other but in a an experiment, the R does this to infer the IV caused any observed changes in the DV
• Interfering variables

  Other variables that influence the variables being measured
• Strengths of correlations

  Useful preliminary tool which provides a precise and quantifiable measure of how 2 variables are related. Quick and economical to carry out as there's no need for a controlled environment. Can use secondary data so even less time consuming
• Limitations of correlations

  Lack of experimental manipulation and thus, cannot demonstrate cause and effect between variables, thus we do no know which co-variable is causing the other to change
• Third variable

  A third variable problem may occur when an untested variable is causing the relationship between the 2 co-variables being investigated. Thus, correlations can be misused/misinterpreted