Correlations Flashcards

1
Q

Correlation (Definition:)

A

The interdependence of variable quantities.

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2
Q

Co-factors (Definition:)

A

The variables which their correlational relationship is being studied.

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3
Q

What are the three types of correlation?

A
  • Positive correlation
  • Negative correlation
  • Zero correlation
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4
Q

Which type of graph do we plot correlations on?

A

Scattergrams.

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5
Q

Which type of correlation is being described?

As one co-variable increases, the other co-variable increases.

A

Positive correlation.

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6
Q

Which type of correlation is being described?

As one co-variable increases, the other co-variable decreases.

A

Negative correlation.

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7
Q

Which type of correlation is being described?

When there is no correlation between the co-variables.

A

Zero correlation.

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8
Q

What is the correlation coefficient for a perfect positive correlation?

A

+1.

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9
Q

What is the correlation coefficient for a perfect negative correlation?

A

-1.

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10
Q

What is the correlation coefficient for no correlation whatsoever?

A

0.

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11
Q

What is a correlation?

A

A mathmatical technique in which the researcher investigates an association between two variables.

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12
Q

What is a co-variable?

A

The variables investigated within a correlation.

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13
Q

What is a scattergram?

A

A graph in which correlations are plotted on.

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14
Q

T / F:

- Correlations are a method of analysis rather than a research method.

A

True - (but it is easier to say ‘correlations’ than ‘studies with correlational analysis’.)

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15
Q

Why are co-variables not called the IV and DV?

A

Because correlation involves the association between variables rather than the a cause an effect relationship.

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16
Q

On a scattergram, what forms each of the axis?

A

One co-variable is on the x-axis and the other is on the y-axis.

17
Q

What is the difference between a correlation and experiment?

A

In an experiment the researcher controls or manipulates the IV to measure the effect on the DV, whilst a correlation involves no manipulation of the IV and therefore there is no way to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

18
Q

What is meant by the term intervening variables?

A

It is a hypothetical variable used to explain causal links between other variables.

19
Q

AO3 - Strengths.

A
  • Useful preliminary tool for research.
  • Relatively quick and economical to carry out.
  • Secondary data can be used.
20
Q

AO3 - Weaknesses.

A
  • Correlation does not equal causation.
  • Third variable problem.
  • Easily misused or misinterpreted.
21
Q

AO3 - Correlation does not equal causation.

A

Correlations cannot demonstrate cause an effect relationships as we don’t know which co-variable is causing change in the other. This means they cannot be used to make justified conclusions.

22
Q

AO3 - Third variable problem.

A

It may be the case that an untested variable is causing the relationship between the two co-variables, this intervening variable causes the third variable problem.

23
Q

AO3 - Data misuse or misinterpretation.

A

Largely due to the third variable problem and correlation not equalling causation, data is often misused and misinterpreted which leads to the formation of ‘casual conclusions’.

24
Q

What is a positive correlation?

A

As one co-variable increases, the other also increases.

25
Q

What is a negative correlation?

A

As one co-variable increases, the other decreases.

26
Q

What is a zero correlation?

A

There is no relationship between co-variables.

27
Q

What type of correlation is this:

The more aggressive the parents, the more aggressive the children are, (1 mark).

A

Positive correlation.

28
Q

What type of correlation is this:

The hotter the temperature, the fewer clothes people wear, (1 mark).

A

Negative correlation.

29
Q

What type of correlation is this:

The fewer sweets eaten, the fewer fillings needed, (1 mark).

A

Positive correlation.

30
Q

What type of correlation is this:

The colder the weather, the higher people’s fuel bills, (1 mark).

A

Negative correlation.

31
Q

What type of correlation is this:

The more people exercise, the less their risk of heart disease, (1 mark).

A

Negative correlation.

32
Q

What type of correlation is this:

More sociable people have more friends, (1 mark).

A

Positive correlation.

33
Q

What type of correlation is this:

The fewer hours of daylight, the more depressed people there are, (1 mark).

A

Negative correlation.

34
Q

What type of correlation is this:

The more films you watch, the more interesting you are, (1 mark).

A

Positive correlation.

35
Q

What is meant by a curvelinear relationship?

A

A more complex relationship than positive or negative where a moderate level of the IV will cause an optimal DV.

36
Q

What is a famous example of a curvelinear relationship?

A

Yerkes and Dodson law of arousal ‘inverted-U’.