correlations

Question 1

define correlation

Answer 1

mathematical technique where a researcher investigates an association between 2 variables, called co-variables

Question 2

correlation coefficient

Answer 2

number between +1 and -1 which represents the direction & strength of the relationship between co-variables

Question 3

what is a correlation plotted on

Answer 3

scattergram

Question 4

+1

Answer 4

perfect positive correlation

Question 5

-1

Answer 5

perfect negative correlation

Question 6

+0.9 to +0.7

Answer 6

strong positive correlation

Question 7

+0.6 to +0.4

Answer 7

moderate positive correlation

Question 8

+0.3 to +0.1

Answer 8

weak positive correlation

Question 9

0

Answer 9

zero correlation

Question 10

-0.9 to -0.7

Answer 10

strong negative correlation

Question 11

-0.6 to -0.4

Answer 11

moderate negative correlation

Question 12

-0.3 to -0.1

Answer 12

weak negative correlation

Question 13

identify strengths of correlations

Answer 13

1. can be used when it’s unethical/impractical to manipulate variables eg. when measuring relationship between pain & concentration, instead of inflicting harm they could rate their present pain on a scale of 1-10
2. procedure can be repeated so findings can be confirmed = reliable
3. if correlation found, further research can be conducted to see if causal research exists & directionl hypothesis can be made

Question 14

identity weaknesses of correlations

Answer 14

1. may be intervening (confounding) variables that can explain why co-variables are linked
2. cannot demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship as cannot control variables
3. often misinterpreted & people believe cause relationship has been demonstrated eg. ADHD & caffeine - ‘caffeine causes ADHD’