correlation

Question 1

strengths

Answer 1

-most cost effective because we can use pre-existing data so there is no need to conduct an experiment where the environment and variables need to be controlled which saves money that would have been needed to be spent on resources etc.
-useful if unethical to carry out an experiment
-A useful preliminary tool for research as it allows you to assess the strength and direction of a relationship and provide a precise and quantifiable measure of how to variables are related which may suggest ideas for possible future research if the variables are strongly related or demonstrate an interesting pattern

Question 2

weaknesses

Answer 2

1. correlation does not infer causation. can be the former causing the latter. for variables it can be either variable causing each other or also external (intervening variables) so it can only provide limited support to a theory or explanation
2. has negative implications on society. might affect how people act e.g ‘people in hoodies and cromer rates increasing will make the public more weary’.
3. correlation studies can sometimes be misused or misinterpreted and some variables may be reported as causal when they aren’t really - especially in the media. can result in a negative social outcome such as discrimination and stereotypes.