Correlations

Question 1

What is a positive correlation?

Answer 1

As one variable increases, so does the other. E.g., the more hours studying, the higher grade achieved.

Question 2

What is a zero correlation?

Answer 2

There is no relationship between the two variables. E.g., toe size and scores on a test.

Question 2

What is a negative correlation?

Answer 2

As one variable increases, the other decreases. E.g., the more beers drank, the lower the grade achieved.

Question 3

What is the score of a perfect negative correlation?

Answer 3

-1

Question 3

What does correlation coefficient mean?

Answer 3

A statistic that reflects the degree to which two sets of scores are related.

Question 3

What is the score for no correlation?

Answer 3

0

Question 3

What is the score of a perfect positive correlation?

Answer 3

1

Question 3

What are the strengths of using correlational analysis?

Answer 3

1. Suggest trends - correlations can suggest trends that can lead to experiments.
2. Useful when experiments would be impossible or unethical
3. High ecological validity

Question 3

What are the limitations of using correlational analysis?

Answer 3

1. Correlations do not establish a cause and effect

Question 4

What is the difference between correlations and experiments?

Answer 4

Experiment - Have an IV and DV
Correlation - Two variables (no IV and DV)

Experiment - Establishes if the IV causes the DV (cause and effect)
Correlation - Establishes if there is a relationship between 2 variables

Experiment - Lab experiments control EVs so we are confident that there are no confounding variables.
Correlation - The findings might be affected by other variables/ might demonstrate a ‘chance’ relationship

Experiment - The hypothesis states that there will be a difference in the DV as a result of the IV
Correlation - The hypothesis states that there will be a correlation/relationship between the two variables.