Correlations Flashcards
What is a correlational study?
A research method that looks at the relationship between 2 or more variables.
How is a correlational study different from an experiment?
In an experiment we are looking for a difference in behaviour across diff conditions. In a correlation we are looking for a relationship between 2 variables.
Name 4 ways in which experiments are different from correlational studies.
No iv or dv just co variables. No experimental design. The hypothesis will only state there will be a relationship. Quantitative data is required, ppts will need a score on both the co-variables being investigated.
What is an intervening variable?
A hypothetical variable that could be used to explain the relationship between 2 variables.
What is a positive correlation?
As the value of 1 variable increases/decreases so does variable 2.
(As ice cream sales increase so do buglaries)
What is a negative correlation?
As the value of variable 1 increases the value of variable 2 decreases.
(As your age increases the number of ppl attracted to you decreases)
What type of hypothesis’ are used in a correlational study?
Two tailed alternative hypothesis
One tailed alternative hypothesis
Null hypothesis.
Hypothesis uses in correlational study (example)
Two tailed alternative hypothesis;
There is a positive relationship….
One tailed alternative hypothesis:
There is a relationship between…
Null hypothesis
There is no relationship between….
Negative correlations-scattergrams
Negative gradient
As x increases y decreases
How to make a Scattergram?
1) make axis (x-iv/dv-dv)
2) number the axis’
3) line of best fit
Name 3 strengths of correlational studies
Good way of indicating trends that could lead to further research being carried out (or not) which could then establish a causal relationship.
The method tests relationships between naturally occurring variables that would be difficult/unethical to measure experimentally.
Useful to establish the reliability of a questionnaire or an experiment.
Name 2 weaknesses of a correlational study
Variables are naturally occurring so it difficult to control extraneous variables. Cannot produce causal relationships, thus we cannot be sure which variable was the cause/ effect or whether the effect was caused by an intervening variable.
How do you plan a correlational study?
Step 1: WHAT
-define co-variables,
-Operationalise co-variables
-define what ur investigating
(The study will investigate whether there is a pos/neg correlation…)
Co variable 1 will be operationalised by ppts logging….
Step 2: WHO
-Sampling method
-How they will be selected/ found
-Sample Cohort details (age groups)
(Social media ad for students at (Manchester) university.
Selected on a first come first serve until sampling criteria is fulfilled)
Step 3: HOW
-Select research method
-State how the variables will be measured
(Self report-rating scales)
Co variable 1 will be operationalised by collecting scores…
Step 4: Outline the ethical procedure and outline expected result/data collection/ one control)
(Ppts will be asked to sign a consent form/ will be debriefed/the expected result will be a pos/neg/ this will be checked on a scattergram)
How do you plan a correlational study? (Simplified)
What
Who
How
Outline the ethical procedure correlational hypothesis
data collection method
