5. Correlational Research

Question 1

What is Correlational research

Answer 1

• Looks for a relationship between 2 variables.
• As these variables ARENT manipulated as in an experiment, it’s not possible to state that just these 2 variables rise & fall tg, or that 1 variable is causing the change in the other.
  The pattern may be the result of a 3rd unknown variable or be just a coincidence.

Question 2

Difference between correlations & experiments

Answer 2

Variables in Correlations are not manipulated, whilst variables in Experiments are.

Question 3

STRENGTHS of Correlational research

Answer 3

1. Casual relationships - (these can be ruled out if no correlation exists)
2. Ethics - able to study variables that it would be unethical to manipulate.
   (eg. is there a relationship between no. of cigarettes smoked & incidences of ill health?)

Question 4

WEAKNESSES of Correlational research

Answer 4

1. Casual relationships - these cannot be assumed from a correlation, which may be caused by a 3rd unknown variable.
2. Ethics - misinterpretation can be an issue. Sometimes, media & researchers infer causality from a correlation.