Correlations

Question 1

What is a correlation?

Answer 1

A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between 2 variables, called co-variables.

Question 2

Which type of graph is used to present correlations?

Answer 2

A scattergram.

Question 3

What is a positive correlation?

Answer 3

As one co-variable increases or decreases, so does the other.

Question 4

What is a negative correlation?

Answer 4

As one co-variable increases or decreases, the other does the opposite.

Question 5

What is a zero correlation?

Answer 5

When there is no relationship between the co-variables.

Question 6

What are intervening variables?

Answer 6

Other variables which may have an effect on the co-variables.

Question 7

What is the difference between a correlation and experiment?

Answer 7

In an experiment, there is a manipulation of the IV to measure the effect on the DV, whereas with correlations there is no manipulation.

Question 8

1 Strength and 2 limitations of correlations

Answer 8

1. Useful preliminary tool for research. Can lead to further research in a specific area

Question 9

What are 2 limitations of correlations?

Answer 9

1. They do not provide a cause and effect relationship between variables. This can lead to misinterpretation in the media if presented as facts.
2. Intervening variables. The 2 co-variables could be linked due to unknown intervening variables.

Question 10

What is a correlation co-efficient

Answer 10

A number between -1(perfect negative) and +1(perfect positive) that tells us the strength and direction of the relationship between 2 variables

Question 11

What is an interview?

Answer 11

A “real time” interaction where the interviewer asks a set of questions to assess an interviewees thought and experiences