Research Methods -> Correlations

Question 1

Correlation coefficients

Answer 1

A strong positive correlation coefficient will be a number closer to +1 whereas a strong negative correlation coefficient will be a number closer to -1. If a correlation coefficient is a number which is closer to 0, then this is normally shown as no correlation.

Question 2

Positive correlations:

Answer 2

When both variables decrease or increase

Question 3

Negative correlations:

Answer 3

When one variable increases, the other decreases.

Question 4

The difference between correlations and experiments

Answer 4

In an experiment the results are due to the manipulation of the IV and therefore cause and effect can be inferred. In contrast, in a correlation, there is no such manipulation or control over any of the co-variables – they are simply just measured. Hence we cannot infer cause and effect only that one variable is highly related to the other variable. Also, in a correlation, there may be other intervening variables.

Question 5

Strengths of correlations

Answer 5

Useful preliminary tool for research by assessing the strength and direction of a relationship, they provide a precise and quantifiable measure of how two variables are related
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Correlations are often used as a starting point to assess possible patterns between variables and can provide a tool for further study.

Question 6

Weaknesses of correlations

Answer 6

Correlations do not show cause and effect, they only show a relationship.
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There could be a third variable which is actually causing the relationship between the two variables.