Correlations

Question 1

Correlations

Answer 1

• Mathematical technique.
• A relationship between two variables = co-variables.
• variables aren’t manipulated like an experiment.
• correlations are plotted on a scatter graph.

Question 2

Positive correlation

Answer 2

• As one co-variable increases so does the other.

Question 3

Negative correlation

Answer 3

As one variable increases the other decreases

Question 4

Zero correlation

Answer 4

When there is no relationship between the co-variables

Question 5

Correlation graphs strengths

Answer 5

• Useful starting point for research.
• Assessing strength and direction of relationship provides precise and quantifiable measure of how two things are related.
• May suggest ideas for future research if variables are strongly related.
• No need for controlled environment and no manipulation of variables is required.
• Inexpensive to carry out.
• Data is collected by others and can be used which means correlations are less time-consuming.

Question 6

Correlation graphs limitations

Answer 6

• Studies can only tell us how variables are related not why.
• Can’t demonstrate cause and effect.
• May also be the case that another untested variable is causing the relationship between two co-variables - intervening variables - the third variable problem.