Causal Research Flashcards
Does correlation or association prove causation?
NO
What is correlation?
A statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables change together
What does correlation not tell?
- directionality
- causality of this relationship
When is a correlation positive?
If one variable goes up when the other goes up
When is a correlation negative?
If one variable goes down when the other goes up
What is causal research?
Collects data that enables researchers to determine the cause-and-effect relationships between two or more variables
When is causal research appropriate?
It is appropriate when research objective includes the need to
understand when variables cause the dependent variable.
What are the requirements for causal interference?
- X must occur before Y
- Must have an association between X and Y
- Control other possible causal factors
What is a variable we are not able to control?
Extraneous variable
What is a variable we can control?
Control variable
Which variable is the one manipulated
Independent variable
Which variable measures the effect?
Dependent variable
What is control variable?
Are held constant in different conditions in manipulation than independent variable
What is an extraneous variable?
Are those variables that may have an effect on a dependent variable, yet are not independent variables and are not measured or controlled by the researcher
Extraneous variables must be addressed through what?
A proper experimental design
