12. Correlations

Question 1

What is a correlation ?

Answer 1

A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between co variables

Question 2

What are correlations plotted on ?

Answer 2

A scatter diagram

Question 3

What is meant by a positive correlation?

Answer 3

As one co variable increases so does the other

Question 4

What is meant by a negative correlation ?

Answer 4

As one co variable increases the other decreases

Question 5

What is a zero correlation ?

Answer 5

When there is no relationship between the co variables

Question 6

What is the difference between correlations and experiments ?

Answer 6

In an experiment, the researcher manipulated the IV to record the effect on the DV as a result of this you can establish cause and effect however in a correlation there is no manipulation of the IV and it is not possible to establish cause and effect

Question 7

What are intervening variables ?

Answer 7

An intervening variable is a hypothetical variable used to explain causal links between other variables

Question 8

What are the strengths of a correlation ?

Answer 8

• allows the researcher to investigate naturally occurring variables that maybe unethical or impractical to test experimentally
• allows the researcher to clearly and easily see if there is a relationship between variables
• may suggest ideas for future research
• quick and economical

Question 9

What are the weaknesses of correlations ?

Answer 9

• Correlation is not and cannot be taken to imply causation
• Correlation does not allow us to go beyond the data that is given.
• third variable problem

Question 10

What is the sentence starter for writing a directional correlation hypothesis?

Answer 10

There is a positive/negative correlation between …

Question 11

What is the sentence starter for writing a non directional hypothesis?

Answer 11

There is a correlation between…