Correlations

Question 1

What are the variables in a correlational study?

Answer 1

co-variables

there is no IV or DV, cannot establish cause and effect

Question 2

describe strong positive correlation

Answer 2

As one variables increases, the other also increases.
The dots plotted are all close to the line, making the correlation strong.

Correlation Coefficient: between +0.5 and +0.9

Question 3

describe weak negative correlation

Answer 3

As one variable increases, the other decreases.
The dots plotted are more spread out about the line, meaning the correlation is quite weak.

Correlation Coefficient: between -0.1 and -0.4

Question 4

what does the correlation coefficient tell you?

Answer 4

an indicator of the strength of the relationship and can be used to interpret the data in an accurate and standardised manner

Question 5

describe a perfect positive correlation

Answer 5

As one variable increases, the other variable increases proportionally.
This does not mean that variable one caused the change in variable two, but they are definitely linked.

Correlation Coefficient: +1

Question 6

describe no correlation

Answer 6

no relationship between variables

Correlation Coefficient: 0

Question 7

what are the strengths of correlations?

Answer 7

Correlations allow you to research variables
that are too complicated or unethical to
manipulate to establish the relationship
between the two.

If a very strong correlation is found, further
research can be done to establish cause
and effect, which may involve researching
another outside variable. This means
correlational studies are very useful for
scientific research.

Correlations can be quite easy to conduct
as secondary data can often be used.

Question 8

what are the weaknesses of correlations?

Answer 8

No matter how strong the relationship, a
correlational study can never establish
cause and effect. This is less useful as it
only shows the relationship between what is
being studied, and not the actual causes.
This means there are less useful
applications from the research.

Correlations require further research into
other variables to find cause.

Correlations are often used in a misleading
fashion when published by media in cases
where correlations are found, and are
published as causations.