Correlational Studies

Question 1

What are the features of correlational studies?

Answer 1

1. Measures the relationship between 2 variables
2. Relationship can be positive or negative
3. Relationship can be strong or weak
4. Can be represented on a scattergram and analysed using a Spearman’s Rho or Pearson’s R and provides quantitative data

Question 2

What is a positive correlation?

Answer 2

As 1 variable increases, so does the other

Question 3

What is a negative correlation?

Answer 3

As 1 variable increases, the other decreases

Question 4

What does the data need to be in order to draw a scattergram?

Answer 4

Quantitative

Question 5

What 2 statistical tests are used to calculate a correlational coefficient?

Answer 5

1. Spearman’s Rho
2. Pearson’s R

Question 6

What does a + or no sign in front of a correlation coefficient show?

Answer 6

It’s a positive correlation between 2 co variables

Question 7

What does a - sign in front of a correlation coefficient show?

Answer 7

It’s a negative correlation between 2 co variables

Question 8

If a correlation is around +0.8 or -0.8 what is it?

Answer 8

A strong correlation

Question 9

If a correlation coefficient is 0 what does it show?

Answer 9

There’s no correlation between 2 co variables

Question 10

What are the strengths of correlational studies?

Answer 10

1. Establishes a relationship between 2 variables when manipulation of variables isn’t possible
2. Allow researchers to conduct statistical analysis on situations where experimental manipulation wouldn’t be ethical or practical
3. Fairly easy to analyse using scattergrams

Question 11

What is a weakness of correlational studies?

Answer 11

Doesn’t establish cause and effect