correlations Flashcards
co-variables
the variables investigated within a correlation, for example height and weight
positive correlation
as one co-variable increases so does the other
negative correlation
as one co-variable increases the other decreases
zero correlation
when there is no relationship between the co-variables
correlations
a mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between two variables, called co-variables
DIfference between experiments and correlations
Experiment → researcher controls/ manipulates IV to measure the effect on the DV
Correlations → NO manipulation of variable, not possible to establish cause and effect
strengths of correlations
Preliminary tool for research
Precise and quantifiable measure
Starting point to assess possible patterns
Quick and economical to carry out
limitations of correlations
Lack of experimental manipulation and control
Can’t say why variables are related
Occasionally misused or misinterpreted
coefficients
- A value of +1 represents a perfect positive correlation
- A value of -1 represents a negative correlation
- The closer the coefficient is to -1 or +1, the stronger the relationship
Correlation coefficient
a number between -1 and +1 that represents the direction and strength of a relationship between co-variables
coefficients
- A value of +1 represents a perfect positive correlation
- A value of -1 represents a negative correlation
- The closer the coefficient is to -1 or +1, the stronger
What is the corelation coefficient value between and what does this tell us?
- Correlation coefficient is a value between -1 and +1, which tells us the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables
Where is the relationship between the co-variables plotted?
scattergram
How can correlations be analysed?
using statistical tests
