Analysis and interpretation of correlations

Question 1

What is a correlation?

Answer 1

• A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between two variables called co - variables

Question 2

Draw examples of a +1 and -1 correlation

Question 3

What does a +1 and -1 correlation mean

Answer 3

+ = a perfect positive correlation
- = a perfect negative correlation

Question 3

Draw an example of a -0.6 and +0.3

Question 4

How do you determine the strength of a correlation

Answer 4

• The closer to +1, the stronger the relationship between the two co - variables
• The closer to 0, the weaker the relationship between the two co - variables

Question 5

What is the difference between a correlation and an experiment?

Answer 5

• in an experiment, the researcher controls/manipulates an independent variable in order to measure the effect on a dependent variable
• in a correlation, there is no manipulation of variabkes and therefore you can not establish cause and effect between co - variables

Question 6

What are the strengths of correlations?

Answer 6

• useful in preliminary research. By assessing the strength and direction of a relationship, they can provide a quantifiable measure of how variables are related
• useful as a starting point to asess patterns before an experimental study
• quick and economical
• doesnt require a controlled environment or manipulation
• secondary data can be used (like statistics)

Question 7

What is a weakness of correlations?

Answer 7

• no cause and effect
• may be possible that an intervening variable may have an influence on the relationship of two co - variables
• correlations can be misinterpretated and misused and cause discrimination. (eg. broken homes and criminality)