19. Correlations (A2) Flashcards
What is a correlation?
A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between two variables, called co-variables.
What is a correlation coefficient?
A number between -1 and +1 that represents the direction and strength of the relationship between co-variables.
How are correlations presented?
They are plotted on a scattergram where each axis represents one of the variables investigated.
How may correlations be further investigated?
They can be investigated and analysed using statistical tests.
What do different correlation coefficient values mean?
A +1 correlation coefficient represents a perfect positive correlation whereas -1 represents a perfect negative correlation. The closer the coefficient is to +1 or -1 the stronger the relationship between the co-variables, the closer to 0 the weaker the relationship.
When may a seemingly weak correlation be statistically significant?
When the data set used is very large it may be significant.
