Research Methods- Correlations Flashcards
Correlation -
A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between two variables, called co-variables
Co-variables -
The variables investigated within a correlation, for example height and weight. They are not referred to as the independent and dependent variables because a correlation investigates the association between the variables, rather than trying to show a cause and effect relationship.
Positive correlation -
As one co-variable increases so does the other. For example, the number of people in a room and noise are positively correlated.
Negative correlation -
As one co-variable increases the other decreases. For example, the following two co-variables: number of people in a room and amount of personal space are negatively correlated.
Zero correlation -
When there is no relationship between the co-variables. For example, the association between the number of people in a room in Manchester and the total daily rainfall in Peru.
What is a correlation?
A correlation illustrates the strength and direction of the relationship between two or more co-variables (variables being measured).
What is a positive correlation?
A positive correlation occurs when one variable increases as the other increases. For example, higher caffeine consumption may correlate with higher anxiety levels.
What is a negative correlation?
A negative correlation occurs when one variable increases as the other decreases. For example, higher caffeine consumption may correlate with fewer hours of sleep.
What is a zero correlation?
A zero correlation means there is no relationship between the variables. For example, caffeine consumption and the number of dogs seen on the street are likely unrelated.
What is a scattergram?
A scattergram is a graph used to plot correlations, with one co-variable on the x-axis and the other on the y-axis. Each point represents the values of the two co-variables.
What is the difference between correlations and experiments?
In experiments, the researcher manipulates the independent variable (IV) to measure its effect on the dependent variable (DV), allowing for cause-and-effect conclusions. In correlations, there is no manipulation, so cause and effect cannot be established.
What is an intervening variable?
An intervening variable is an unmeasured variable that may explain the relationship between two co-variables, such as job type influencing both caffeine consumption and anxiety levels.
What is a strength of correlations?
They provide a precise and quantifiable measure of the relationship between variables, suggesting ideas for future research and being quick and economical to conduct.
What is a limitation of correlations?
They cannot establish cause and effect, and the direction of the relationship may be unclear. Intervening variables may also affect the results.
What is the third variable problem?
The third variable problem occurs when an unmeasured variable influences the relationship between the two co-variables being studied, making it unclear whether the observed correlation is causal.
What is an example of the third variable problem?
High-pressured jobs may cause both increased caffeine consumption and higher anxiety levels, making it unclear if caffeine directly causes anxiety.
How can correlations be misused or misinterpreted?
Correlations are sometimes presented as causal relationships in the media, even though they do not prove causation. For example, the correlation between single-parent families and crime does not mean single-parent households cause crime.
What is a strength of using secondary data in correlations?
Secondary data, such as government statistics, can be used, making correlations less time-consuming and more economical than experiments.
What is an example of a misused correlation?
The correlation between being raised in a single-parent family and increased likelihood of crime is often misinterpreted as causation, ignoring intervening variables like emotional distress.
What is a limitation of using correlations in research?
They cannot explain why variables are related, only how, limiting their ability to provide causal insights.
What is an example of a positive correlation in psychology?
Higher levels of stress may correlate with higher levels of anxiety.
What is an example of a negative correlation in psychology?
Higher levels of physical exercise may correlate with lower levels of depression.
What is an example of a zero correlation in psychology?
The number of hours spent watching TV may have no correlation with academic performance.
What is the importance of scattergrams in correlations?
Scattergrams visually represent the relationship between two variables, making it easier to identify patterns and the strength of the correlation.
What is a strength of correlations in preliminary research?
They help identify potential relationships between variables, guiding future experimental studies.
What is an example of an intervening variable in a correlation?
In the correlation between caffeine consumption and anxiety, job type could be an intervening variable influencing both.
What is a limitation of correlations in establishing causality?
They cannot determine whether one variable causes changes in another, only that a relationship exists.
What is the role of correlations in media reporting?
Correlations are often misrepresented as causal relationships in the media, leading to misleading conclusions.
What is a strength of correlations in terms of data collection?
They do not require a controlled environment or manipulation of variables, making them easier and cheaper to conduct.
What is a limitation of correlations in terms of variable control?
The lack of control over variables makes it difficult to rule out the influence of intervening variables.
What is an example of a correlation that does not imply causation?
The correlation between ice cream sales and drowning incidents does not mean ice cream causes drowning; both are likely influenced by hot weather.
What is the importance of understanding correlation limitations?
Understanding the limitations helps prevent misinterpretation and ensures that correlations are not mistakenly used to infer causation.
What is a strength of correlations in identifying patterns?
They can reveal interesting patterns and relationships between variables, providing a foundation for further research.
What is a limitation of correlations in psychological research?
They cannot explain the underlying mechanisms or reasons for the observed relationships, limiting their explanatory power.
