Correlations

Question 1

Define correlation

Answer 1

A relationship between two variables

Question 2

Give four advantages of correlations

Answer 2

• Can determine cause and effect relationships
• Can be used when it would be impractical or unethical to manipulate variables
• Can make use of existing data
• All the researcher has to do is measure (no manipulation) so high in ecological validity

Question 3

Give four disadvantages of correlations

Answer 3

• Can’t identify a third variable which may have an effect
• The method may lacck internal validity
• Can often form random patterns so are not useful
• Results could be an entire coincidence