Correlations Flashcards
What does correlation illustrate?
The strength and direction of an association between two or more co-variables.
How are correlations plotted?
On a scattergram with one co-variable on the x-axis and the other on the y-axis.
What is a co-variable?
Things that are being measured in a correlation.
What is a positive correlation?
When one variable increases, the other variable also increases.
What is a negative correlation?
When one variable increases, the other variable decreases.
What does a zero correlation indicate?
There is no relationship between the two variables.
What was the example used to illustrate a positive correlation?
Frequent use of caffeine is correlated with high anxiety.
What would a negative correlation be expected between?
The amount of caffeine consumed and the number of hours slept.
What type of correlation would be expected between caffeine consumption and the number of dogs seen in the street?
Close to a zero correlation.
What is the main difference between correlations and experiments?
In experiments, the researcher manipulates the independent variable; in correlations, there is no manipulation.
What does the manipulation of the independent variable in an experiment allow researchers to do?
Infer that the independent variable caused any observed changes in the dependent variable.
True or False: A strong positive correlation allows us to assume that one variable causes the other.
False.
Fill in the blank: In a correlation, there is no manipulation of one variable, making it impossible to establish _______.
cause and effect.
