pilot studies and correlations

Question 1

pilot study

Answer 1

• small scale trial run of the actual investigation
• before the real investigation is conducted

Question 2

what do researchers test for in a pilot study

Answer 2

• check participants understood the instructions
• whether the materials are clear
• whether the questions are clear
• behavioural categories, timing of observations, where the observers are
• ethical issues
• timings

Question 3

why do we do pilot studies

Answer 3

• allows us to check the investigation runs smoothly and removes any ambiguous/confusing elements
• allows the researcher to identify any issues and to modify the design, saving time and money in the long run

Question 4

correlation definition

Answer 4

a mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates a relationship between 2 co-variables

Question 5

strengths of correlations

Answer 5

• less time-consuming and economical as there is no need for a controlled environment or manipulation of variables
• useful preliminary tool for research as they provide a quantifiable measure of how 2 variables are related which can suggest ideas for future research
• they can be used as starting points to assess possible patterns before researchers commit to a study
• correlations can be done when it is unethical/impractical to manipulate the variables
• if a correlation is not significant, a causal relationship is ruled out
• if a correlation is significant, further investigation can be justified

Question 6

weaknesses of correlations

Answer 6

• lack of experimental manipulation and control so it doesn’t tell us why the variables are related
• it doesn’t demonstrate cause and effect between variables therefore we do not know which variable is causing the other to change
• may be another untested variable that is causing the relation between the two (intervening variable)
• people often misinterpret correlations as a cause and effect relationship
• may lack validity e.g. not generalisable

Question 7

positive correlation

Answer 7

as 1 co-variable increases, so does the other

Question 8

negative correlation

Answer 8

as 1 co-variable increases, the other decreases

Question 9

zero correlation

Answer 9

when there is no relationship between the co-variables

Question 10

co-variables

Answer 10

the variables investigated in a correlation. They are not referred to as the IV and DV because a correlation investigates the association between the variables rather than a cause and effect relationship

Question 11

curvilinear relationships

Answer 11

some relationships are more complex than positive or negative. Performance may be at its best when there is a moderate level of arousal and will deteriorate if arousal level is too low or high

Question 12

correlation coefficients

Answer 12

a number between -1 and +1 that tell us the strength and direction of the relationship between the 2 co-variables

Question 13

coefficient rules

Answer 13

• 0.8 and above = strong correlation
• Around 0.5-0.79 = moderate correlation
• Around 0.3 = weak correlation
• Near 0 = zero correlation

any result above 0.8 is significant