RESEARCH METHODS - correlational studies

Question 1

Define: correlational studies

Answer 1

A non-experimental research method used to investigate the links between two or more variables.

Question 2

Define: correlation

Answer 2

identifying and describing how two variables are related

Question 3

When are correlational studies used?

Answer 3

When it is unethical or impractical to manipulate variables as done in experimental research

Question 4

What 2 things do correlational studies measure?

Answer 4

Direction (positive or negative correlation/+ or -) and strength (the decimal number)

Question 5

Define positive and negative correlation

Answer 5

Positive correlation: when two variables vary in the same direction (increase/increase or decrease/decrease)
Negative correlation: when two variables vary in opposite directions (increase/decrease or decrease/increase)

Question 6

Define: strength

Answer 6

how closely correlated two variables are (indicated by decimal number)

Question 7

Define: correlation coefficient

Answer 7

The decimal number which describes the strength and direction of the correlation

Question 8

Correlation does not mean ___________ because it has not been experimentally researched

Answer 8

Causation

Question 9

Define: scatterplot

Answer 9

A graph showing the values obtained by a group of individuals on two different measures that are assumed to be correlated.