Correlations

Question 1

What is a correlation?

Answer 1

A correlation illustrates the strength and direction of an association between co-variables.

Question 2

What type of chart/gram are correlations displayed on?

Answer 2

Scattergrams - One co-variable on the x-axis and the other on the y-axis.

Question 3

What are the 3 types of correlation?

Answer 3

Positive
Negative
Zero

Question 4

What is a positive correlation?

Answer 4

When the co variables increase together.
E.g. number of burgers eaten and weight

Question 5

What is a negative correlation?

Answer 5

One co-varibale increases and the other decreases.

Question 6

What is a zero correlation?

Answer 6

There is no relationship between varibales.

Question 7

What is the difference between correlarions and experiments?

Answer 7

You cannot demonstrate cause and effect in a correlation as there is no manipulation of variables.
Whereas in a experiment the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on DV.

Question 8

What are 2 strengths of correlations?

Answer 8

1. Correlations are a useful starting point for research as if variables are strongly related it may suggest hypotheses for future research.
2. Correlations unlike lab studies are less time consuming than experiments as you do not need a controlled environment and can use secondary data.

Question 9

What are 2 limitations of correlations?

Answer 9

1. They do not demonstrate cause and effect, they are causal and only show how the 2 varibales are related. This can lead to false conclusions about causes of behavior.
2. They may be intervening varibales which explain the relationship between the co-variables. Which may also lead to false conclusions.