Correlations

Question 1

What are correlation techniques?

Answer 1

They are non-experimental methods used to measure how strong the relationship is between 2 or more variables. (no variables are manipulated in correlation techniques).

Question 2

In correlation studies what is measured?

Answer 2

The movement and direction of co-variables in response to each other.

Question 3

Explain the different types of correlation?

Answer 3

Positive correlation:
- As one variable increases, the other variable also increases

Negative correlation:
- As one variable decreases, the other variable also decreases

Zero correlation:
- No relationship between the variables.

Question 4

What are scattergrams and what do they show?

Answer 4

Graphs that show the correlation between 2 sets of data by plotting points to represent each pair of scores. It shows the degree and direction of the correlations between the co-variables.

Question 5

What is a correlation coefficient used for?

Answer 5

It is used to measure the strength and nature (positive or negative) of the relationship between 2 co-variables.

Question 6

What does the correlation coefficient number represent and what can they range between?

Answer 6

The strength of the relationship between 2 co-variables and can range between -1.0 and +1.0

Question 7

Evaluate the use of correlation techniques

Answer 7

• One limitation is that correlations do not show causation. A strong correlation may suggest that a relationship exists between two variables but it does not show which co-variable led to the change in the other co-variable. There is also a possibility that an unknown third variable could cause the change in both variables.
• One strength is that