correlation

Question 1

correlation

Answer 1

Looks to see whether there is an association between 2 variables (called co-variables). Normally these variables are not under the control of the researcher.
A correlation seeks to establish the extent to which 2 variables are related.
A positive correlation involves a relationship in which as one variable increases, the other increases.
A negative correlation involves a relationship in which as one variable increases the other decreases.
Zero/ no correlation involves no relationship between co-variables.
This method does not involve the manipulation of a variable, it simply involves the measurement of 2 variables to see if a relationship exists between them.

Question 2

correlation co-efficient

Answer 2

A correlation co-efficent can range from +1 (a perfect positive correlation) to -1 (a perfect negative correlation). 0 indicates no relationship at all.
The closer a correlation is to +1 or -1 the stronger it is.

Question 3

weaknesses of correlations

Answer 3

Correlations cannot establish cause and effect but with experiment you can.
Could be something else linking the 2 variables - extraneous.

Question 4

strengths of correlations

Answer 4

Manipulation doesn’t occur with correlations but it does with experiments.
No ethical issues with correlation but there are with experiments.
Quick and easy to carry out.
Don’t need a controlled environment.
Costs less than experiments.
Show patterns.