Biostats Flashcards
What is correlation?
A statistical technique used to measure the relationship between 2 variables
When performing a correlation analysis, do you manipulate the variables that you are studying?
No - the variables are usually not manipulated. They are simply observed as they exist naturally in the environment.
What is the value of using a scatter plot to look at correlations?
It allows you to see patterns and trends that exist in the data
What 3 characteristics are measured by correlation between 2 variables?
Direction
Form
Strength/consistency
What is meant by the direction of a correlation?
Whether the correlation is positive (as x increases so does Y) or negative (as x increases, y decreases)
What is meant by the form of a correlation?
Whether the correlation is a straight line or curved line
What is meant by the strength/consistency of a correlation?
Correlation of 1 = perfect fit
Correlation of 0 = no fit
How closely the data suits a line format is
What 4 things can correlations be used for?
Prediction
Validity
Reliability
Theory validation
How can correlation be used to predict?
If 2 variables have a reliable relationship, then one can be used to predict the other
How can correlation be used to validate?
If x is supposed to be related to Y, then X and Y should be correlated
How can correlation be used to show reliability?
If x and y have a strong and reliable relationship, then x and y shouldbe strongly correlated.
How can correlation be used for theory validation?
the prediction of the theory could be tested by determining the correlation between the 2 variables
What is the pearson correlation?
What is the equation for the pearson correlation?
Measures the degree and direction of a linear relationship between variables
True/False: Correlation implies causation.
False
True/False: Correlation values can be greatly affected by the range of scores in the data.
True
True/False: Outliers have very little effect on a correlation value.
False, they have a dramatic effect
True/False: a correlation can be interpreted as a proportion. Ex: r = 0.5 means that predictions can be made with 50% accuracy.
False.
What is regression?
A procedure that identifies and defines the straight line that provides the best fit for any specific set of data. The resulting line is called the regression line.
What does the regression line represent?
The central tendency of the relationship, or simplified description of the relationship. It can be used for prediction.