Correlations - Research methods Flashcards
What is a correlation?
Measurement of the extent to which pairs of related values on 2 variables tend to change together
What do correlations look for?
A relationship between 2 variables
Is correlations a research method within itself?
No
What data can be collected to see if theres a correlation?
Observations, questionaires, self report methods, experiments
Why can these self report methods be invalid?
People could lie due to social desirability bias
What is the relationship between correlation and causation?
Correlation doesnt equal causation
Why are correlations described in terms of co-variables?
Both variables in a correlation vary + are measured, and neither one is set or controlled by the researcher
Where do both measures come from?
The same individual or from the same abstract unit, e.g. average temp
What types of data do correlations tend to use?
Interval/ratio data and ordinal data
Cant be nominal since variables arent categorised
What relationship does a positive correlation describe?
Both variables increase together
What relationship does a negative correlation describe?
One variable increases as the other decreases
Can also be no correlation with no links at all
What is the strength of a correlation described as?
A correlation coefficient
These range from -1 to +1, coefficient less than 0 describing a negative correlation and a coefficient above 0 describing a positive correlation
What are the graphs used called?
Scattergrams
Whats another type of relationship that can be found?
Curvilinear relationship
Reaches an optimum
