Correlation

Question 1

what is a correlational analysis?

Answer 1

method used to assess the degree to which two co-variables are related

Question 2

what are the pros of using a correlational analysis?

Answer 2

• can look at relationships between continuous variables rather than the differences
• if the correlation is not strong you can rule out a causal relationship
• if the correlation is strong then further investigation is justified because there could be a causal link

Question 3

what are the cons of using a correlational analysis?

Answer 3

• cannot show a cause and effect relationship
• there may be intervening variables that can explain why co-variables are linked
• method used to measure either co-variable may lack reliability or validity