Correlations

Question 1

What do correlations represent?

Answer 1

The strength and direction of an association between two or more co-variables

Question 2

What are the types of correlation?

Answer 2

1) positive - as one co-variable increases, so does the other
2) negative - as one co-variable increases, the other decreases
3) zero - there is no relationships between co-variables

Question 3

What are correlation coefficients?

Answer 3

A number between -1 and +1 showing how closely the co-variables in a correlation analysis are associated, where +1 is perfect positive correlation and -1 is perfect negative

Question 4

What values are seen as a strong correlation?

What value are seen as a weak correlation?

Answer 4

1) over 0.8 is strong

2) under 0.3 is weak

Question 5

What is the difference between experiments and correlations?

Answer 5

In an experiment, the researcher controls the IV in order to measure the effect on the DV but in a correlation there is no manipulation of one variable so cause and effect can’t be established

Question 6

What are the strengths of correlations?

Answer 6

1) allows researchers to undertake research in an unknown area
2) cost effective
3) cost effective
4) it is possible to conduct a correlation when using other methods would be unethical

Question 7

What are the limitations of correlations?

Answer 7

1) can’t establish cause and effect
2) only identify linear relationships
3) misuse and misinterpretation
4) ‘third variable problem’ (intervening variable)

Question 8

What are intervening variables?

Answer 8

Any other variables that could explain the relationship between two co-variables