research methods - correlations. Flashcards

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1
Q

What is meant by “correlations”?

A

Mathematical technique which illustrates the strength and direction of a relationship between two or more co-variables.

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2
Q

What is meant by “co-variables”?

A

Variables used when looking at correlations.

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3
Q

What is meant by “positive correlation”?

A

Relationship which occurs when one co-variable increases increasing the other co-variable and vice versa.

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4
Q

What is meant by “negative correlation”?

A

Relationship which occurs when one co-variable increases decreasing the other co-variable.

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5
Q

What is meant by “zero correlation”?

A

Exists when there is no relationship between the co-variables.

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6
Q

How are correlations plotted?

A

On a scatter gram.

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7
Q

What is the difference between correlation and an experiment?

A
  • IV is controlled and manipulated as the DV is measured in an experiment.
    ↳ deliberately changing a variable to measure the effect on the DV.
  • correlation is different
    ↳ not manipulating any variables.
    ↳ establishing a cause and effect relationship.
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8
Q

What does a positive correlation consist of?

A
  • both co-variables move in the same direction.
    [e.g. more time spent on treadmill, more calories burnt]
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9
Q

What does a negative correlation consist of?

A
  • both co-variables move in opposite direction.
    [e.g. more hours slept, the less tired you will be]
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10
Q

What does a zero correlation consist of?

A
  • neither co-variables moves in a particular direction.
    [e.g. no correlation between number of caffeinated drinks consumed and number of dogs seen on the street]
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11
Q

What are the correlation hypotheses?

A
  • directional.
  • non-directional.
  • null.
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12
Q

What is meant by “directional correlation”?

A

Negative/positive correlation between co-variable 1 and co-variable 2.

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13
Q

What is meant by “non-directional correlation”?

A

Correlation between co-variable 1 and co-variable 2.

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14
Q

What is meant by “null correlation”?

A

No correlation between co-variable 1 and co-variable 2.

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15
Q

What is meant by “correlation co-efficient”?

A

Indicates the direction and strength of the relationship between the two variables.

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16
Q

What are the correlation co-efficients?

A
  • produce a coefficient between +1 and –1.
  • coefficients with a minus sign = negative correlation.
  • coefficients with a positive sign = positive correlation.
  • closer to 0 = weak correlation.
  • closer to 1 = strong correlation.
17
Q

What are the strengths of correlations?

A
  • useful tool for research
    ↳ provide precise and quantifiable measure of how two variables are related.
    ➝ gives opportunity for future research.
  • quick and economical to carry out
    ↳ no need for controlled environment.
    ➝ no manipulation required.
    ➝ secondary data can be used to make correlations therefore less time consuming.
18
Q

What are the weaknesses of correlations?

A
  • only how they are related not why
    ↳ due to lack of experimental manipulation.
    ➝ cannot establish cause and effect.
  • possibility of third unknown variable which causes relationship.
  • can be misinterpreted or misused such as media may present a relationship as facts.