Correlations

Question 1

What are correlations?

Answer 1

Where a researcher investigates an association between co variables
(Association, relationship, correlation in hypothesis)

Question 2

Hypothesis for a correlation

Answer 2

No IV or DV
Has to state the expected relationship between co variables which must be operationalised
Can be directional/non directional

Question 3

Positive correlation

Answer 3

Where one co variable increases as the other co variable increases
Can be strong or weak positive

Question 4

Negative correlation

Answer 4

Where one co variable increases while the other decreases
Can be strong/weak

Question 5

Zero correlation

Answer 5

No distinct relationship shown between the 2 variables

Question 6

Correlation coefficient

Answer 6

Correlation coefficient number represents the strength of the relationship between the co variables and can range between -1.0 and +1.0

The nearer the number is to +1 or -1 the stronger the correlation

A correlation coefficient of 08 is generally accepted as a strong correlation

Question 7

Strengths of correlations

Answer 7

• quick to carry out, no need for a controlled environment and no manipulation of variables required
• secondary data can be used so less time consuming

Question 8

Weaknesses of correlations

Answer 8

• lack of experimental manipulation and control means they can only tell us how variables are related and not why
• can’t demonstrate cause and effect
• third variable problem, another untested variable is causing the relationship between the 2 co variables being investigated