Correlations and pilots

Question 1

What is a correlation analysis

Answer 1

• testing a hypothesis using an association that is found between two variable
• co-variables instead of IV and DV

Question 2

What is a positive correlation

Answer 2

• an increase in one variable leads to an increase in another variable
• looks like this /

Question 3

What is a negative correlation

Answer 3

• as one variable increases, the other decreases

- looks like this \

Question 4

What is zero correlation

Answer 4

• where there is no correlation

- looks like loads of random dots on a graph

Question 5

How is correlation measured

Answer 5

-scatter graphs
-correlation coefficient
because these are statistical methods using quantitative data, you need to operationalise your variables

Question 6

What is a correlation coefficient

Answer 6

-the numerical representation of the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables
-in the form of any number
-anywhere from -1.0 to +1.0
-1.0=perfect (strong) correlation
-0=no correlation
=0.0 to -1.0=negative correlation
=0.0 to +1.0=positive correlation

Question 7

Strengths of correlations

Answer 7

• allows researchers to analyse situations that could not be manipulated experimentally
• can produce reasonably definitive information about casual relationships if there is no correlation between two variables
• can collect a great amount of data quickly
• easy and quick to analyse
• allows us to see a relationship between two variables (even if its not cause and effect)

Question 8

Weaknesses of correlations

Answer 8

• cannot establish cause and effect
• researcher cannot manipulate variables
• confounding variables other than the ones you are measuring could have an effect
• ethical issues-often study controversial/sensitive issues-need to be aware of social sensitivity

Question 9

What is the point in a pilot study

Answer 9

• to test whether the design works
• whether pps undertsnatd the wording in instructions
• whether something has been missed out
• gives researchers practice
• problems could be tacked-saves time and money
• allow validity and reliability of the test to be assessed in advance-opportunity for improvements