METHODS - correlations

Question 1

association

Answer 1

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

Question 2

differences between correlations and experiments

Answer 2

in an experiment the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV. In a correlation there is no manipulation of variables and so cause and effect cannot be demonstrated
In a correlation the influence of EVs is not controlled so it may be that a third ‘untested’ variable is causing the relationship between the co-variables (interevening variable)

Question 3

strengths of correlation

Answer 3

useful starting point for research - by assessing strength and direction of a relationship, proved a precise measure of how 2 variables are related and if strongly related may suggest hypotheses for further research
relatively economical - no need for a controlled environment or manipulation of variables, less time-consuming than experiments

Question 4

weaknesses of correlation

Answer 4

no cause and effect - correlations are often presented as causal when they only show how 2 variables are related, may be intervening variables that explain the relationship
method used to measure variables may be flawed - e.g method used to measure aggression score might be low in reliablility as categories used, reduces validity