research methods - correlations. Flashcards
What is meant by “correlations”?
Mathematical technique which illustrates the strength and direction of a relationship between two or more co-variables.
What is meant by “co-variables”?
Variables used when looking at correlations.
What is meant by “positive correlation”?
Relationship which occurs when one co-variable increases increasing the other co-variable and vice versa.
What is meant by “negative correlation”?
Relationship which occurs when one co-variable increases decreasing the other co-variable.
What is meant by “zero correlation”?
Exists when there is no relationship between the co-variables.
How are correlations plotted?
On a scatter gram.
What is the difference between correlation and an experiment?
- 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.
What does a positive correlation consist of?
- both co-variables move in the same direction.
[e.g. more time spent on treadmill, more calories burnt]
What does a negative correlation consist of?
- both co-variables move in opposite direction.
[e.g. more hours slept, the less tired you will be]
What does a zero correlation consist of?
- 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]
What are the correlation hypotheses?
- directional.
- non-directional.
- null.
What is meant by “directional correlation”?
Negative/positive correlation between co-variable 1 and co-variable 2.
What is meant by “non-directional correlation”?
Correlation between co-variable 1 and co-variable 2.
What is meant by “null correlation”?
No correlation between co-variable 1 and co-variable 2.
What is meant by “correlation co-efficient”?
Indicates the direction and strength of the relationship between the two variables.
What are the correlation co-efficients?
- 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.
What are the strengths of correlations?
- 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.
What are the weaknesses of correlations?
- 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.