Research Methods: Correlations Flashcards
What is a correlation?
A relationship/link between two co-variables
If there is no IV or DV in a correlation, what can’t the researcher do?
Manipulate variables
An IV and DV are absent in correlations, what does this mean?
There is no manipulation of variables by the researcher
When conducting a correlation, what is the researcher looking for?
A link/relationship between two co-variables
If the researcher wants to look for a link or relationship, what must they conduct?
A correlation
How do we interpret a correlation?
We look at the strength and the direction of the relationship
When presented with a scattergraph, what does the data show?
The strength and the direction of the relationship
How is correlational data presented?
On a scattergraph
What is the visual representation of a correlation?
A scattergraph
What are the three different directions of a correlation?
Positive, negative, zero
Positive, negative, and zero are all examples of what?
The direction of a correlation
Interpret a positive correlation
As one co-variable increases, so does the other co-variable
What does a positive correlation show?
As one co-variable increases, so does the other co-variable
Describe a positive correlation
As one co-variable increases, so does the other co-variable
Interpret a negative correlation
As one co-variable increases, the other decreases
What does a negative correlation show?
As one co-variable increases, the other decreases
Describe a negative correlation
As one co-variable increases, the other decreases
Interpret a zero correlation
There is no direction of plots/no relationship between co-variables
What does a zero correlation show?
There is no direction of plots/no relationship between co-variables
Describe a zero correlation
There is no direction of plots/no relationship between co-variables
What does one point on a scattergraph represent?
Two scores from one participant
What does one plot on a scattergraph represent?
Two scores from one participant
What are the two different strengths of a correlation?
Strong/Weak
Strong/Weak are examples of what?
The strength of the correlation
What is meant by the strength of a correlation?
How close each plot is to each other and the line
What is meant by the direction of a correlation?
The direction the plots point to on a scattergraph
Interpret a strong correlation
All the points on a scattergraph are close to the line/close together
What is meant by a strong correlation?
All the points on a scattergraph are close to the line/close together
Describe a strong correlation
All the points on a scattergraph are close to the line/close together
Interpret a weak correlation
All the points on a scattergraph are spread far apart and away from the line
What is meant by a weak correlation?
All the points on a scattergraph are spread far apart and away from the line
Describe a weak correlation
All the points on a scattergraph are spread far apart and away from the line
Exam tip: What must you comment on when asked to interpret a correlation?
The strength AND the direction
What is meant by a correlation co-efficient?
It is the result from a correlation statistical test (numerical version of a correlation)
What do we call the result of a correlation statistical test?
Correlation coefficient
What does a correlation co-efficient show?
The strength of a correlation (strong/weak)
What does a correlation co-efficient of -1 show?
Strong negative correlation
What does a correlation co-efficient of +1 show?
Strong positive correlation
When writing a correlation, what things must we include?
Relationship/Link, Co-variables
What is the main criticism of a correlation?
Cannot establish cause and effect
Identify the strength and direction from this image
Strong negative
Identify the strength and direction of this correlation
No correlation
Identify the strength and direction of this correlation
Strong positive
Identify the strength and direction of this correlation
Strong negative
Identify the strength and direction of this correlation co-efficient
Weak negative
Identify the strength and direction of this correlation co-efficient
Weak positive
Identify the strength and direction of this correlation co-efficient
Strong negative
Identify the strength and direction of this correlation co-efficient
Strong positive
Identify the strength and direction of this correlation co-efficient
No correlation
