Correlational Studies: Looking for Relationships

Question 1

Define: Correlational Study

Answer 1

-A consistent study that looks for a consistent relationship between two phenomena.

Question 2

Define: Correlation

Answer 2

-A numerical measure of the strength of the relationship between two things.

Question 3

Define: Variables

Answer 3

-Any thing that can be measured, rated, or scored.

Question 4

What type of correlation concludes: The higher X is, the higher Y is; or the lower X is, the lower Y is?

Answer 4

Positive Correlation

Question 5

What type of correlation concludes: The higher X is, the lower Y is; or the lower X is, the higher Y is?

Answer 5

Negative Correlation

Question 6

Define: Coefficient of Correlation

Answer 6

-Statistic used to express size and direction or correlation. The coefficient of correlation can range from +1.00 (perfect positive) to -1.00 (perfect negative). A coefficient around 0 would mean no association.

Question 7

Many correlations in media are based on rumor, anecdote, or coincidence, which renders them meaningless. What kind of correlations would these be defined as?

Answer 7

Illusory Correlations

Question 8

Does a correlation establish causation?

Answer 8

When 2 variables are associated, one may not necessarily be causing the other. This makes them difficult to interpret.