correlations

Question 1

what is correlational research?

Answer 1

measurement of the extent to which 2 pairs of related values on 2 variables tend to change together

Question 2

why are correlations described in terms of co variables?

Answer 2

both variables change and are measured, neither is set or controlled by the researcher

Question 3

what is a positive correlation?

Answer 3

both variables increase together
- eg height and weight

Question 4

what is the correlation coefficient?

Answer 4

strength of the correlation and direction
- less than 0 = neg
- more than 0 = pos
0-0.3 = weak
0.3-0.7 = moderate
0.7-1 = strong
-1.0 = perfect neg
+1.0= perfect positive

Question 5

strengths of correlations

Answer 5

when it’s difficult for practical and unethical reasons to manipulate the variables researcher is interested in and allows for identification of relationships between variables eg in bio psych unethical to manipluate testosterone levels but can look for a correlation
Reuires quantitive data a corelation co ef is an objective numeral way to describe the strength of a relationship between 2 variables and not open to interpretation
starting point for similar research

Question 6

weaknesses of correlations

Answer 6

media,goverments,scientists can misuse/misinterpret correlational rsearch and make huge claims but in reality the relationship is completely different finding a correlations tels us little other than the correlation exists and difficult to make accurate conclusions about causes of correlation only telling us the relationship exists